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iir. )ER THE FLAG 



at ilomantic 2Drama in prologue anli 
four act^ 



BY 



FRANKLIN BERNARD, L.L.B. 



NOTICE— Amateurs do not require permission to 
produce this play. 



Copyright, 1910, by Samufx French 



New York 
SAMUEL FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 

28 *k 30 West 38 Street 



London 
SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 
26 Southampton Street 

Strand 



d^y^^tyy 



^^ ASSaaJL. 



UNDER THE FLAG. 

prologue. 

CHARACTERS IN PROLOGUE. 

WiLLARD Blake Diamond Broker 

George Morkis Chief Clerk 

Larry OToole Second Clerk 

Gerald Firman George Morris' Friend 

John Firman Gerald's Father 

Rastus Hemingway Janitor 

Jerre Dunne . . .Blake's Pal. 

Cbaracters in ipia^» 

George Morris Superintendent of Firman's Plantation 

WiLLARD Blake In disguise. 

Jerre Dunne In disguise. 

RiCARDO Gutierrez . . Governor of the Province of Santiago, 
Cuba 

Larry O'toole 

John Firman Owner of the Plantation 

Gerald Firman His son. 

Rastus Hemingway. .A faitliful Servant and Friend 

William Ewing An An\ei?can in the Cuban army 

Father Delgato A priest 

Sanchez . .». A farmhand. 

Antonio A farmhand 

Pedro A negro jailer. 

Farmhands, Soldiers, Insurgents, etc. 

©CI.D 22338 



?s 






/ 

UNDER THE FLAG 



PROLOGUE. 

WiLLARD Blake, diamond hrohers of/ice, practical 
door and loindow r. in bach; partition to R. 
running from hack to front; safe {for diamonds) 
to R. against partition; desk at L. with chair, 
etc.; desk and chairs in small room made by par- 
tition, being private office of Blake. Desk 
with high stool behind in left corner. Door at 
at back in private office. Hooks for hats, etc., 
and small mirror. Blake, discovered seated at 
office desk l. searching through drawers {fac- 
ing audience). Music at rise. 

Blake. Where did I put that letter from Dunne & 
Harens — {searching in pockets and desk) I intended 
to destroy it at once — I am sure I put it in the drawer 
with some other papers ! Should it happen to fall 
into the hands of the police, I, Honorable Willard 
Blake, the wealthy and respected diamond merchant 
and candidate for Congress and also for the hand of 
Miss Alice Firman, an heiress of the wealthiest and 
most honorable family in America — would — {still 
searching) find myself in a cell of the Tombs prison 
instead of a comfortable seat in Congress at Washing- 
ton. No — not here — I must have left it at home — 
No, I'm sure I put it in here — as I was about to 
destroy it when a customer entered — I told that fool 
never to write anything — I feel a trifle nervous, think 
I will take something to pull myself together, {goes 

3 



4 UNDER THE FLAG. 

into private office, utilocks cupboard, takes out bottle 
and glass and pours out liquor, is about to drink, 
then listens, then about to drink again) 

(Enter Jerre Dunne at d. back in main office, sees 
no one, then goes to door betwee.i main office and 
private office, looks in at Blake) 

Well, here's health and success to my own particular 
friend ! 

Dunne. Jerre Dunne ! — Why ! what's the matter, 
Willard, you look as pale around the gills as a sick 
chicken and you're a-shakin' like a dish of calves'- 
foot jelly ! 

Blake. How often have I told you not to steal in 
on me in this manner? {puts down liquor on desk) 

Dunne. But you never told me not to steal out 
for you in any manner ! What ! ain't yer goin' to 
drink the good old stuff? (takes up liquor) you 
always did drink the best — Well, here's lookin' at yer 
(drinks). What's the matter with yer any way-^ 
you're gettin' as timid as a jack-rabbit, now you 
wa'nt that way when we were doin' the smuggling act 
between Mexico and Texas and 

Blake. Silence ! I say never mention that again. 
In those days I was in for anything that brought 
adventure and wild excitement, but here I am an 
honored citizen and respectable member of society. 

Dunne. And still willing to turn an honest 
penny; no matter how it is, obtained, eh! (pours out 
another drink) Well here's ! 

(Enter George Morris d.^ in main office and hears 
voices in next room — about to hang up hat, and 
listens.) 

That the next paper of diamonds I swipe for you will 
be worth double the last one. Oh, but that was a 
lucky haul — now 



UNDER THE FLAG. 



BLAKfi. Enough of this, I say- 



DuNNE (drinJis). I'm sorry, there's not enough 
of this, I say! 

George. '' But this is enough for me. (exit d. in 
main office) 

Blake (going to d., between office, and loolcs out 
into main office). Come now, what's the news? 

Dunne. You know there was a terrible racket over 
that last package of diamonds that was missed out of 
the custom-house. 

Blake. Yes — But no one suspects 

Dunne. But they do! 

Blake. Whom ? 

Dunne. Me ! of course ; no one w^ould suspect such 
a fine gentleman as you. How could they ! 

Blake. Of course not — well — tell me how you 
know — they suspect you. 

Dunne. I've been in the sweat box, as the officers 
call it — but I sw^ore till I was black in the face that I 
knew nothing — Don't I look a little on the brunette 
order ? — and as they had no proofs against me, I was 
allowed to depart in peace. 

Blake. Good — we are then safe, but double your 
caution for the next haul. By the way, don't write 
me any more on these matters, as letters are dangerous 
and I am afraid I've lost the last one you wrote to 
me. 

Dunne. I do hope you haven't, for there's enough 
in it to send us both to tlie pen for a thousand years. 
Can you trust your ink-slingers? 

Blake. No, one of them, Toole, is a thick-headed 
Irishman, but he's dangerous on account of his 
honesty ; the other one, Morris, is too shrewd and he 
is therefore more dangerous. 

Dunne. Then take him in the deal with us. 

Blake. I offered him a partnership but he 
declined in such a way that I imagine he suspects 
something is wrong in the business. 

Dunne. Then take my advice and bounce him! 



f5 UNDER THE FLAG. 

Blake (laughingly). Oh, trust me for that — 
we are both suitors for the hand of the same 

Dunne. Charming young lady, (laugh) 

Blake. Exactly ! — At one blow I intend ridding 
myself of my dangerous enemy and my rival by • 

Dunne (drawing his finger over his throat). 

Blake. No, I might have resorted to such des- 
perate means in Mexico, but here in New York, I 
have a more genteel way of transacting such business. 

Dunne. Hire some one to do it for you — me, for 
instance — Well, you know me. 

Blake. A much better way : I intend to send him 
to jail. 

Dunne. Wliere you should be if you got your dues. 

Blake Yes — but we don't always get our dues ! 
And thus ruin his character and good name. 

Dunne. Well I must say that's exceedingly gener- 
ous of you. ( laugh ingly ) 

Blake (loiv tone). Someone is coming — quick 
— get out — (pushes Dunne out of d. in private office) 

(Enter Lakhy Toole, d., in main office, hangs up his 
liat on hook, smoking stogy.) 

Blake (coming into main office). Late this 
morning, Larry ! 

Toole (wiping his face from perspiration) . Yis, 
sor. You see, sor, I wirit away from the office very 
early yesterday afternoon, sor, and I came late this 
mornin' so as to make up the difference; do you 
mind, sor! (going to desk hack and facing audience) 

Blake. Oh ! I see, Larry — (going to his desk down 
in front) it's quite clear, but it is a peculiar course 
of reasoning, (looking straight at him) 

Larry. Of course it is ! It's a peculiar case, (very 
excited) and besides I met with an accident, (putting 
lighted end of cigar in his mouth, then spitting out 
and. jumping around) 

Blake. So I see. 



UNDER THE FLAG. 7 

Larry. And I therefore couldn't get here any 
later (aside) Oh ! This stogie, 'twill be the death of 
me — (hides it in his hands) 

Blake. I'm very sorry. 

Larry. So am I sor! (about to go to seat and 
watching Blake) 

Blake (aside). I must conceive some means of 
enlisting this honest fellow's sympathies against 
Morris, (walks up to him deliherately) 

Larry (drops his stogie on the floor and tries to 
hide it with his foot, while it smokes furiously) . Oh ! 
that piece of rope ! My, oh my ! How it smells ! I'll 
be fired — I wish I 

Blake. Larry, I am forced to the belief that there 
is a thief in this office. 

Larry. Holy smoke ! (looking at stogie) Where 
is he? (running about office looking for supposed 
thief) 

Blake. Stop! One inoment, 'Larry, (taking hold 
of Larry) You don't appear to catch my idea! 

Larry. No, I want to catch the thief, sor ! 

Blake. That's just precisely what I want you to 
help me accomplish. 

Larry. But it seems you don't want me to find 
him (tries to get away) — (aside) I want to get that 
stogie. 

Blake. One moment, Larry, and I will attempt to 
make myself clear to you. Listen ! 

Larry. I listen, (looking at stogie smoking: 
bus.) 

Blake. I mean to say, Larry, that I have in my 
employment in this office a thief ! 

Larry (jumps). By the shade of St. Patrick — I 
hope you don't mean me, sor ! 

Blake. I am pleased to tell you that I do not. 

Larry. I breathe once more! (looking at stogie), 
— (aside) I wish that Havana would stop breathing. 
Phew! how it smells! 



8 UNDER THE FLAG. 

Blake. Within the past month I have missed 
several diamonds from the safe. 

Larry. How can that be when they are kept in the 
little safe on the inside and no one has the key to it 
but yourself — and a Yale lock at that? 

Blake. To convince you of my confidence in your 
honesty and sound judgment — I will raise your salary 
$10 a month. 

Larry. You take my breath away — (aside) that 
stogie will take his breath away, if he gets a whiff of 
it. 

Blake. Now whom do you suspect is the thief ? 

Larry. I suspect no one, sor — not even meself ! 

Blake. Not even — for instance — Mr. Morris? 

Larry. No, sor ! not even for wan instant ! George 
Morris — a thief! — a — why — he is the best friend I 
have on earth — and a nobler, truer heart niver bate in 
the human breast. 

Blake. Well, I am pleased to know you admire 
Mr. Morris so profoundly and I will therefore ask you 
not to mention a word to him concerning what I have 
just narrated, (going toivards d. in main office, tahes 
hat from hooJc and puts it on) 

Larry (picks up stogie). Not a word! — on the 
word of a Toole which was never broken — ^when it was 
easier to keep it 

Blake. I will step around to the Police Station 
and see what the detective department has done in 
ferreting out who the thief can be and in the mean- 
time, Larry, let this grasp of my hand (Larry ex- 
tends hand, Blake takes hold of it and draws his 
away quicMy: the stogie is supposed to hum it) My, 
what's that? 

Larry (changing cigar to other hand). My 
hand is very hot, sor! The excitement of the dis- 
closure you made has made me very feverish ! 

Blake. As I was about to say, let this grasp of my 
hand evince my most perfect confidence in your man- 



UNDER THE FLAG. 9 

hood, honesty and integrity, (exit at d. in main 
office hack) 

Larry. " Let me evince my most perfect con- 
fidence in your manhood, honesty and integrity " — 
now if he had said that without the correlative 
adjunct, as we say at College, that is: the ten per 
month extra, it wouldn't have carried much weight, 
but as it carries two pounds — as we would say in 
Ireland — every month for a year, making twinty-four 
pounds, all told — it's therefore a very weighty re- 
mark : for it carries with it much conviction and 
disarves my most favorable consideration — which I 
will now proceed to consider — (sits on stool at desk, 
taking up pen and writing) Now let me see; tin 
times twelve are twelve times tin (dips pen in ink) 
and vice versa, making in all wan (dips pen in ink 
again and upsets inkstand, takes handkerchief and 
wipes up ink, puts it hack again in his pocket) — 
hoondred and twinty dollars for the year — (takes 
handkerchief and wipes his nose, getting ink all over 
it, pretending all the time to he very much ahsorhed 
in his figuring) Now those hundred and sixty dol- 
lars, me present magnificent salary per annoom, plus 
wan hundred and twinty makes the grand and 
munificent total of four hundred and eighty dollars 
— (puts down pen, his elhows on the desk toith his 
face hetween his hands and looks at audience) — Is 
there so much money in the world — I wonder ! — 
(thinks — gets down from stool — c. hack) No longer 
will I wear this toggery which bespeaks me humble 
plane in society — no longer will I wear these celular- 
loyd appendages — (tears off collar, takes match, 
lights it and holds it up while hurning) Thus 
do I cast all evidence of me poverty to the four winds 
of heaven ! Hereafter will I bedeck myself with 
purple and fine linen {dives in desk and hrings out 
collar and shirt newly laundried) — and now to 
arrange me twilight in a manner becoming a gentle- 
man of culture, wealth and refinement (takes off coat. 



10 UNDER THE FLAG. 

showing red undershirt and paper shirt-front — looks 
out of ivindoiu) Great heavens — soiie one is coming ! 
{grabs up collar, shirt and coat and rushes off l. 2 E.) 

(Enter Rastus d.. hack in main office with pail, mop, 
sponge and large rag — looks around.) 

Rastus (negro dialect). Hullo! nobody hyer, 
mighty strange seems to me ! — leavin' all dem dimons 
to take care of themselves — why some of des fine 
mornin's some one will cum in hyer and carry off dat 
safte — dimons and all (sets doivn pail and things 
except mop — goes up to door and looks into private 
office). Well, I do declar — I was goin' to wash dat 
window — guess I better not do it now fo' fear some 
one might see into dis yer place and findin' no one in 
will jess naturally sneak in and carry off dat safte! 

(Enter Larry d. l. 2 e. ; clean collar and shirt, dif' 
ferent coat, looking very neat with his nose still 
covered with ink.) 

Rastus (sees him, not recognizing him: aside and 
frightened; has.). Fo' de Lor's sake a bugler wid a 
mask on too; what'll I do? — (Larry goes down to- 
ward safe, pretending not to see Rastus) He's goin' 
to steal dat safte — (rushes down quickly at charge 
hayonets) Hyer! you bans off, I say; bans off or 
I'll choke yer te deth wid dis yer mop ! 

Larry (much astonished). AVhat in the wur- 
ruld is the matter with you, you crazy nigger! 
(drawing hack) 

Rastus. Oh! it's Massa Larry! (laughs heartily, 
doubling himself up) I thought fo' shure! you was 
a shure enuff bugler — pon my soul I did — (laughs 
again). 

Larry. Didn't you ever see an Irish gintleman 
before ? 

Rastus (laughing). No! not like you, Massa 
Larry I 



UNDER THE FLAG. H 

Larry. Av coorse yer didn't — there's very few 
loike me ! 

Rastus. I never saw but one orter — he was in a 
circus ! ( laughing ) 

Larry. What do you mean? {going towards him) 

Rastus (taking hold of Larry's arm, both at c. 
facing audience). Did you ever see a tattooed man? 

Larry. Faith, I did not — but I have heard of 
them! 

Eastus. Would yer like to see one? {looking 
intently at each other) 

Larry. Faith, I wud 

Rastus. Come with me — {they turn face about, 
walk grotesquely up to mirror at hack) Look in 
there and you'll see one. {pointing to mirror) 

Larry. Oh ! be the powers ! ink ! indelible ! {bus.) 
Evidence of me occupation indelibly written upon me 
features ; I have heard of such things before ! How 
will I ever be able to efface this from this er face. 
{bus.) 

Rastus {laughing heartily). Dat's a mighty 
serious mattah, Massa Larry. 

Larry. Serious — it's lamentable! {bus.) How 
can I ever get it off? {bus.) {walking down to desk 
in front and throiving himself into chair in despair) 

Rastus {gazing at Larry, looks around at pail, 
suddenly rushes down to c). I've got it, Massa 
Larry ; I've solved de difficult problem ! 

Larry {rising quickly). What do you mane? 

Rastus. Dat I am now prepared fo' to erase de 
obliteration on your physermerhogony dis very ink- 
stand ! 

Larry {looking at him inquiringly, shakes his 
head). Too deep for me ! {sits again in despair) 

Rastus. Why, what's de mattah wid you, Massa 
Larry? I said I would take dat ink off on yer nose 
in about two minutes ! 

Larry. You will! {jumping up) 

Rastus. Dat's what I will — come here — {takes 



12 UNDER THE FLAG. 

Jiold of him and takes him to c.) — stand dar and 
doan yer move, {goes up, gets pail and brings it 
down) 

Larry. I was never more subdued in my life. 

Rastus (sets down pail, takes out soap). And 
here yer are ! 

Larry. What's that — soap? 

Eastus. No ! Soapolio ! 

Larry. Will that take it off? 

Rastus. It takes paint off on boards and I reckon 
it oughter take ink off on yer nose. 

Larry. Well, we'll try it, desperate diseases de- 
mand desperate remedies. Let her go Gallagher ! 

Rastus. All right, den you jest sit in dis yer 
cheer! — (sets Larry in ofpce chair which he brings 
near c.) now put yer head back — so — (puts Larry's 
head on back of chair, tips chin back) now you jest 
wait one minute and 1 will show you how I kin do 
de kalsminin' — (gets pail, sponge, mop and his rag: 
the pail must have a strong lather of soap-suds in it) 

Larry. I fondly hope this operation will be suc- 
cessful. 

(Rastus brings down articles mentioned, throws rag 
over Larry's breast and tucks end between his 
collar and throat.) 

Larry. Here ! Here ! Don't choke me ! 

Rastus. ISTever mind — I won't hurt you — Dat's 
de way — dis reminds me of my old perfession 

Larry. Were you ever a barber? 

Rastus. No, sir! a tonsorial artist! (singing 
" Now close yer eyes (putting hand over his eyes) 
and cover up yer head, de bogy-man (goes to pail, 
takes sponge, souses it in pail, getting it all over suds) 
will catch yer if yer cry" (humming air of song) 
" Go to sleep, etc., (putting hand over Larry's face 
like a barber before shaving.) Now how will you 
you have it, with or without 

Larry. With or without what ? 

Rastus. Chloroform ! 



UNDER THE FLAG. 13 

Larry. Without, to be certain. 

Rastus. All right, here she goes — (?'ubs sponge all 
over his head and face, luhile Larry sits up in chair, 
struggles, spits and tries to talk; Rastus shoves him 
back in chair). Hold on ! hold on ! 

Larry. I am holdin' on — ain't I 

Rastus. Now just be quiet for fo' minutes and 
de operation will be completed, (takes sponge and 
wipes Larry's face, leaving it clean, the ink removed) 
and dar you are ! Now what will you have, Floridy 
water, Pond's extract or bay-rum. 

Larry (getting up and taking off rag). Rum of 
some kind, get over to Flaherty's for tin cents — 
the Dutchman on the corner charges fifteen. It is all 
off? 

Rastus. It is all off — come — (takes Larry hy the 
arm to mirror as before). Behold ! Look upon dis 
picter and think of de other, (they turn around and 
face audience) 

Larry. If ink upon your nose you throw. 

Rastus. Remove it with soapolio. — (goes down 
and brings his things to desk l. at back) — Well, I 
guess I'll wash dis yer window — it needs it, the Lord 
only knows — Oh, Massa Larry, I almost done forgot 
— here's a letter I picked up dis mornin' on de flo' 
here in the office, it may be important, so I thought 
I'd keep it safte till I got a chance to hand it to some 
one in hyer. (hands letter to Larry and proceeds to 
wash window singing) "Go to sleep etc. — (Larry 
reads letter, keeping time to Rastus' song) " Close 
yer eyes — will catch yer — " (keeps on humming air 
through Larry's speech) 

Larry. By the jumping jumuny Moses ! (looks at 
Rastus, then coming down; intensely) What's this 
— the last package of diamonds was stolen — (looks at 
letter again) and sent to Mr. Blake who is in on the 
game — one hundred and twentv-five carats, valued at 
$25,000.— Why this a "fence'' and we're all liable 
to be pinched, (putting letter back into envelope 



14 UNDER THE FLAG. 

and anxiously looking round) I'll get rid of tliis 
infernal thing and this job here pretty quickly — I'll 
just put it in this drawer with the other papers; 
luckily it is open and so no one will ever suspect that 
I have read it 

Eastus. Well now dat I've finished, I'll just have 
ter quit yer, Massa Larry, and I'll say good-bye ter 
you now, fo' I doan' tink I shall eber see yer again. 

Larry. Why (going up to him) are you going to 
lave us, you're not ? 

Eastus. Yes, I be; I've been done and hired out 
with Massa John Firman who is goin' to Cuba to his 
plantation and we will stay dar a long time, he tells 
me. 

Larry. To Cuba! Why you'll be a dead nigger 
in twenty-four hours after you get there! 

Rastus (frightened). Why, how yer talk, man ! 
— what do yer mean? 

Larry. There's a revolutionary war down there — 
and they kill niggers on sight. 

Eastus. Oh ! My ! You doan' tell me — guess I 
won't go — safter to stay here — doan' yer think so? 

Larry (th/mks). Ah! An idea — (aside) I 
won't stay in this place any longer — perhaps I may 
be able to get a job with Mr. Firman myself — he is 
going to be George's father-in-law very soon and I 
know he will fix it for me. (aloud) Not if I should 
go with you to protect you! 

Eastus (delighted). Oh, Massa Larry will you 
go too? Den I'll go shure enough, — fo' you're so 
smart all de Cubans and Spaniards in de world 
couldn't catch me den. 

Larry. No, I'll warrant yer they won't — all yer 
have to do is just let them know in a gentle but 
emphatic way that you are an American citizen and 
they'll not only lave you alone — but they'll pretend 
to respect you if they really don't in their hearts, and 
it amounts to the same thing in the end. 

Eastus. I do wish you can fix it up wiih Massa 



UNDER THE FLAG. 15 

Finnau; den 111 go shiire enough — good-bye (exit d. 
at bach main office) 

Larry. Well there's a light already breaking 
through the dark clouds, (goes to desk l., takes up 
pen and proceeds to write in book). 

(Enter George Morris d. at back main office.) 

George. Good morning, Larry (hangs up hat) 
hard at work as usual I see ! 

Larry. Strict attention to business is my chief 
characteristic as you must be aware by this time. 

George (going down to r. near desk). Yes, I've 
observed it quite frequently. 

Larry (looking at him, getting off stool and go- 
ing down towards him and looking furtively at door 
back). What's the matter, George? You don't look 
like yourself at all — you seem worried, is anything the 
matter with you? Come now, if you are in trouble 
confide in me — I'm your friend — and I'll do any- 
thing in the world to help you. 

George. Yes, that's true, Larry (taking his hand). 
You're a good kind-hearted chap and I will tell you 
what troubles me as it will relieve my feelings and 
you may be able to help me 

Larry. Count on me, George, to the death ! 

George. Thank you, old man, but I'm afraid no 
one can help me (bus.) 

Larry. Well tell me all and then we can better 
decide the question! (George looking around) 
There's no one here ; Mr. Blake has gone down to the 
police station to get a detective to try and discover, 
who the thief in this office is. 

George. Then I am afraid it's too late (bus.) — ^ 

Larry. Why, what do you mean ? 

George. Listen ! — You know Miss Firman ? 

Larry. The daughter of Mr. Firman, the wealth- 
iest and best customer the boss has — Oh, don't I ? - 

George. Well you never knew I loved her, did 
you? 



IQ UNDER THE FLAG. 

Larry. Never knew it! I never knew it \ (bus.) 
Well as you happen to receive an eight page four- 
times-crossed-over letter every day, signed Alice ; and 
as you are continually singing, " Alice, where art 
thou " — christen the office cat " Alice " which is un- 
questionably a " Thomas William Henry Jeremiah " 
— reading every minute you get a chance the novel 
entitled " Alice in Wonderland " — buy loaf sugar for 
the expressman's horse, because its name is Alice — 
Well I should think I did know that you were head 
over heels, ears and boots in love with Miss Alice 
Firman and you should therefore be happy; for I 
know she is dangerously afflicted with the same dis- 
ease. 

George. I am happy in the knowledge that my 
affection is reciprocated by her, but I have a danger- 
ous rival. 

Larry. Who can it be ? 

George. Blake. 

Larry. Ah ! Ha ! I begin to smell a rat ! 

George. A few days since he proposed to her and, 
of course, he was rejected. 

Larry (delighted). Bully for her — I'm afraid 
I'll fall in love with her myself! What did he say? 

George. He hinted strongly to her that I was dis- 
honest and that he would blast my character. 

Larry. Blast him ! if he tries it ; have no fear ! 

George. On the other hand, I do fear him greatly. 
No villainy is too deep for him to descend to. While 
he pretends to be a respectable member of society, I 
know him to be an unscrupulous scoundrel and he 
will hesitate at nothing to accomplish my ruin. 

Larry. Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! your on to him as 
well as I — well ! 

George. For some time my suspicions have been 
awaken to the fact that there is something crooked 
in his diamond transactions. 

Larry. In what way ? 

George. The bills accompanying the packages 



UNDER THE FLAG. 17 

contain the name of a firm which has no existence in 
the diamond business. 

Larry. How do you know? 

George. I have made inquiries through Brad- 
streets and they report no such firm in existence ! 
Some one has informed Blake concerning that inquiry 
and he became suspicious — he offered me a partner- 
ship in the business and I refused. 

Larry. Why don't you inform the police about 
him? 

George. Because I have no convincing proof of 
his rascality — and this morning I overheard a few 
words of conversation between him and another man 
which confirmed my suspicions. 

Larry (aside). That letter is all he wants — I'll 
tell him. (bus.) (knock at door in main office) Come 
in! 

(Enter Gerald Firman d. hack main office) 

George (goes to meet Gerald). Good morning, 
Gerald! (they shake hands) What brings you here 
— no bad news of — er (excited: bus.) 

Gerald (laughing). Alice, my sister! Oh! No! 
but good news, I hope, at least I trust you will accept 
it in that spirit. 

George. What is it? 

Larry. Here's my chance to go over to Flaherty 
and get that drink — I'm a trifle nervous — it will 
brace me up. (takes hat, exit D. back main office) 

Gerald. You know the revolution in Cuba has 
become a very serious matter and the people of this 
country are clamoring for our government to inter- 
fere in favor of the rebels; the situation is therefore 
very delicate between Spain and the United States. 

George. Yes — so I conclude from what I read in 
the papers. 

Gerald. Father, I presume you know, owns a very 
large sugar plantation in Cuba and on that account I 



Ig UNDER THE P^LAG. 

presume the President has appointed him consul 
there. And we all leave for Cuba next month. 

George (in despair). And I may not see Alice 
again — You call this good news, Gerald ? — Ah, I see 
it all now — Your father not approving of my engage- 
ment to your sister has determined to separate us. 

Gerald. There, you are mistaken ! 

George. What do you mean ? (bus.) 

Gerald. He approves of his daughter's choice in 
you and said he admired you for your many manly 
qualities. 

George. But why take her away? 

Gerald. One moment, not so hasty, please ! On 
account of his duties as Consul, father has concluded 
that he will be unable to attend to the affairs of his 
plantation; and if you will accept, he offers you the 
position of his manager. 

George. You overwhelm me with joy ! 

Gerald. I expect him here every moment now, 
when he will talk the matter over with you and Mr. 
Blake. 

(Enter Blake unobserved d. in private office.) 

Blake. My name — what does this mean — her 
brother here ! 

Gerald. You will accept, I hope, and go with us ? 

George. Can you doubt it ! and let me thank you 
most heartily and sincerely, (shake hands) 

Blake. What does this mean — I must discover 
by talking to young Firman alone — but how get 
Morris out of the way — ah! I have it — (coming 
dovm) Good morning, Mr. Firman! 

Gerald. Good morning, Mr. Blake ! 

Blake. Ah ! Mr. Morris, will you kindly run 
down to the post-office and get my mail, I forgot it 
this morning in my haste, here is the key. (hands 
him the key) 

George. Yes, sir! (going to door bach, takes 



UNDER THE FLAG. 19 

hat) Good morning, Gerald ! {looks hack inquiringly 
and suspiciously, bus.; exit d. hack) 

Blake. Mr. Firman, I desire to say a few words 
in explanation of what I said concerning Mr. Morris 
to your sister the other day, no doubt she has told 
you! (offering him, chair) 

Gerald. She has, sir ! (sitting) 

Blake. You are also aware that I offered my 
hand to your sister. 

Gerald. And were promptly rejected ! 

Blake. Mr. Firman, I cannot and will not take 
" no," for an answer ! 

Gerald (rising). Mr. Blake, the heart and hand 
of my sister is her own property and she possesses 
the natural, legal and absolute right to give or refuse 
them to whom she pleases' and being an honorable girl 
she could not give them to you when they are 
promised to another. 

Blake. Then she is engaged? (rising) 

Gerald. She is — and to one of the noblest fellows 
on earth. 

Blake (excitedly). To whom? 

Gerald. George Morris — your chief clerk — (go- 
ing) 

Blake. If there is anything that can add bitter- 
ness to the rejection of my suit, it is the knowledge 
that your sister has given her hand to one who is 
totally unworthy of her, unworthy even of her ac- 
quaintance, let alone 

Gerald (stopping). What do you mean, sir? 

(Enter Larry d. at hack, very quietly, listens, assum- 
ing a position to he ready to appear as though he 
just entered should Blake see him.) 

Blake. I mean, sir, that George Morris, the young 
man whom you consider the soul of honor, is a com- 
mon thief ! 

Gerald (ah out to strike him hut refrains: hus.) 



20 UNDER THE FLAG. 

Be careful, sir ! how you traduce the character of the 
man who is about to become my brother. 

Blake. I repeat it, sir : he is a thief ! 

Gerald. You lie! (excited and nervous) I do 
not know what foul plot your villainy has invented to 
ruin the character and good name of my friend 
George Morris — but the one thing I do know: that 
it will fail — for I will at once inform him of this 
terrible accusation, so that he may be on his guard 
and thus be able to protect himself {going to D.). 

Larry. I'll find George and tell him about the 
letter, so that he can get it as soon as he comes in 
(exit quicl'ly). 

Blake. Go, then and tell him what I have re- 
lated to you; YOU will then discover who trembles 
— for the very moment you inform him — that mo- 
ment will I cause his arrest and he is at once dis- 
graced. 

Gerald. If you cause his arrest, I have no fear 
but that he will vindicate his honor and prove his 
entire innocence ! You have invented some fiendish 
plot to ruin him, because he is my sister's affianced 
husband, but let me inform you, Mr. Willard Blake, 
if he were sunk so low as your perfidy and villainy 
would have him, she would still honor, love and 
respect him and so would I ! (going towards d. in 
hack; Blake facing audience and is much confused 
and agitated) 

(Enter Larry d. at hack, going down and slaps 
Blake on the hack.) 

Larry. Well, George, old boy, how d'ye feel, that 
last — (Blake turns around) Oh! Holy Moses! I'm 
in for it now up to my neck. I'll go out and get 
another, that will give me courage to face him. (exit 
d. hack) 

(Gerald looking hard at Blake exit same door,)- 
Blake. I'm afraid I have gone a little too far so 



UNDER THE FLAG. 21 

early in the game; now let me see (sitting at desk in 
front) if Morris is not informed of what has just 
transpired here, I will have him execute my little plot 
against him; his honesty will greatly aid me and at 
the same time hasten his own ruin : well, the devil 
generally takes care of his own, they say, and I'll have 
to depend very largely on his aid this time, {looks at 
watch) It's time he was here — what can be detaining 
him — has Gerald met him, if so — I'm sure I will fail 
(looks at watch again) how nervous I am getting! 

{Enter ^f orris d, at hack j\i. o.) 

Here he is ; what a debt of gratitude I owe Satan ! 

George {corning down and handing him letters). 
Here's the mail ! 

Blake. Thank you. {takes letters) Did you 
meet young Mr. Firman? 

George. No, sir! {lus. Mr. Blake pleased) 
and now can I have a few minutes conversation with 
you? 

Blake. With pleasure, but as I have some very 
important business to attend to, you would do me a 
great favor by postponing it until this afternoon and 
in the meantime, if you will attend to a little business 
matter for me, I will be greatly obliged to you. 

George. Very well, sir ! Let it be three o'clock, 
will that hour be convenient for you? 

Blake. Yes, that will do. {looking at watch) 
ten o'clock {going to safe, takes out money and an 
envelope; aside) At three o'clock you will be in a cell 
at the police station (coining down to desk) Now, Mr. 
Morris, if you will kindly go to the New York Central 
ticket office on Broadway and get a ticket for Mont- 
real, also a lower berth, you will oblige me — {hands 
him money) there is the money. 

George. For yourself, sir ? 

Blake. No, for a friend of mine: James Walker, 
of Stamford, Connecticut. I expect him here this 
afternoon — you may sign the ticket for Mr. Walker — - 



22 UNDER THE FLAG. 

as it is a first-class ticket, it makes no difference, yoa 
know. 

George. Very well, sir— (going) 

Blake. Ah ! one moment, Mr. Morris, when you 
return, I want you to take this paper of diamonds — 
there are ten stones in it — to Mr. Watson^, Twenty-sis 
Wall Street, and allow him to select one — as he has no 
time to call around here himself — I promised to send 
him a few, from which he might make a selection. 

George. Why not permit me to take them now ? 

Blake. I do not want you to carry them around 
with you any longer than is absolutely necessary. I 
have put them in this drawer (shoiving him, package) 
and will give you the key (takes hey of ring and 
gives it to him) so that if I should not be here when 
you return, you may get them. 

George. But isn't it just as dangerous to leave 
them in the desk as it would be for me to carry them 
on my person ? 

Blake. No, I will wait here until Larry returns 
and he will remain here until you come back again. 

George. All right, Mr. Blake (going). 

Blake. Oh ! by the way, Mr. Morris, I have with- 
drawn all pretensions to Miss Firman's hand and 
instructed her brother this morning to inform her of 
my resolution — and I wish you all the joy in the 
world. 

George. I thank you very much — then at three 
o'clock, Mr. Blake (going). 

Blake. At three o'clock, Mr. Morris — (George 
exit D. at hach in M. o.) 

Blake. At three o'clock you will hold an inter- 
view with the jailer, if anyone, for it will not be me — 
my scheme will work — thus far it has succeeded be- 
yond my fondest expectations. Oh ! experience — you 
are the greatest teacher after all — no matter whether 
it be good or evil, it can be used to one's advantage — 
and now, Mr. Morris, you shall never wed the beauti- 
ful and accomplished Miss Firman. 



UNDER THE FLAG. 23 

(Enter Larry d. hack.) 

Ah ! Larry, back so soon — I notice you have been very 
attentive to business to-clay. 

Larry (hanging up hat and sits on stool behind 
desk L.). Yis, sor ! strict attention to business is 
one of me great failings, (takes up pen and appears 
to he husily writing) 

Blake. Did you meet Mr. Morris? 

Larry. No, sir ! But I met Mr. Firman and his 
son Mr. Gerald and they'll be here in a few minutes. 

Blake. Good, everything works into my hands 
like a charm — Larry, go out by the private door and 
bring a police officer in that way. 

Larry. Yes, sir! (gets hat; aside:) a police 
officer — a copper — a fly mug — oh ! me ! oh my ! what 
does this all mean! (exit) 

Blake. The game is a desperate one — and I shall 
win — (rising) — Alice Firman and her fortune will 
procure for me both social and political success — and 
now, George Morris, you are a ruined man ! — for the 
prison doors are now open to you — in a few moments 
they will close upon you and you will be lost forever — 

(Enter John Firman and Gerald d. hack m. o.) 

Blake. Good morning, Mr. Firman — We have 
met before, Mr. Gerald. 

Firman. What is the meaning of these terrible 
accusations you make against Mr. Morris? {lower 
key of voice) 

Blake. Their meaning is simple, for they are 
true (enter Larry with policeman d. in private office) 
Oh! here is the officer — Mr.. Toole, have the kindness 
to look out of the window and inform me when you 
see Mr. Morris approaching, (officer and Larry 
appear at door of private office — Larry enters main) 

Larry. I^m sorry that nigger washed this win- 
dow! 



24 UNDER THE FLAG. 

Firman. You must be aware, Mr. Blake, that if 
these accusations be not true, that Mr. Morris has a 
legal remedy for heavy damages. 

Blake. I do not fear that part of it, as I can very 
soon convince you of their absolute truth. For some 
time past I have suffered a number of robberies of 
diamonds ; at first I suspected this clerk 

Larry. Oh ! murder, suicide and sudden death ! 

Blake. But I was very soon convinced of his 
innocence. 

Larry. I breathe again ! 

Blake. And careful watching proved the guilt of 
George Morris. 

Larry. Oh ! No, I don't breathe again ! 

Firman. Mr. Blake, you astonish me beyond ex- 
pression. Mr. Morris is a young man in whom I had 
implicit confidence and in whom I reposed unbounded 
faith, so much so, that I was about to offer him a 
position of great trust and responsibility on my plant- 
ation in Cuba where I am about to go very shortly, 
and I have already consented to his marriage with 
my daughter. 

Blake. In that case I presume you prefer that I 
should hush the matter up. 

Gerald. ISTo, a thousand times no ! — let these 
base charges be sifted to the very bottom. 

{Enter messenger hoy with letter d. hach m. o.) 

Blake (takes letter) . From whom do you come ? 

Mess. The ticket agent of the N. Y. Central Rail- 

Mess. Letter for Mr. Blake. 

Blake. Good ! You may go and thank the 
road. 

gentleman for his promptness and courtesy, (exit 
Mess. d. hack m. o.) and now I repeat, George Morris 
is a thief. 

Gerald. And I repeat it is false, Willard Blake ! 

Firman. Be quiet, Gerald; reason not passion 
best serves a friend. 



UNDER THE FLAG. 25 

Blake. Morris is about to steal some diamonds he 
saw me put in that drawer, for I saw him closely 
watching me when I placed them there. Now this 
letter informs me that he has purchased a ticket and 
berth on the N. Y. Central train that leaves this 
evening for Canada at 11 : 40 and it is my firm belief 
that he intends to steal those diamonds and abscond to 
Canada. 

Firman. Suspicion is no evidence of guilt. 

Blake. That I will admit. 

Firman. Has he bought the ticket in his own 
name? 

Blake. No, but under the convenient name of 
Walker. 

Firman. How do you know it was Mr. Morris 
who bought the ticket you mention ? 

Blake. I have had detectives on his track for the 
past two weeks and they immediately inform me of 
his every action. 

Larry (aside). Illustrious Caesar! He's had 
one on my track, too, I suppose ; he knows every drink 
I've had at Flaherty's ! (aloud) Mr. Morris has just 
turned the corner, sir! (aside) I'll give him the tip. 
(going to door) 

Blake, You will remain where you are, Mr. 
Toole. 

Larry. With the most agonizing pleasure ! 

Blake. Now we'll soon see; let us retire and 
watch his movements. If he takes the diamonds from 
the drawer his guilt is proven ; if he does not, then I 
have misjudged him and will make every reparation 
that is possible to be made by an honest man. 

Gerald. I will not consent to this arrangement ! 

Larry. Nor will I ! 

Gerald. It is some foul plot! 

Larry. It is ! 

Blake. Should they refuse, I am lost ! 

Firman. What objection can you have to the 



26: UNDER THE FLAG. 

arrangement. If our friend is innocent, there can be 
nothing to fear ! 

Blake. Certainly Mr. Firman is right — let his 
innocence be his shield and protection — quick, then, 
quick ! . 

Gerald. I'm afraid we are aiding in his ruin ! 

Blake. Quick! Quick in here! (Firman, Ger- 
ald and Larry exit in d. ^. e. Blake and o^Jicer into 
D. to private office) 

(Enter George d. haclc in m. o.) 

George. Hello! (hangs up hat) No one here, 
why, where is Larry — taking a nap, I'll warrant, poor 
fellow, he's all worked up to-day; that letter has 
made him so nervous that he has been over to see his 
friend Flaherty about twenty times (laughs; goes to 
D. L., opens it slightly, calling:) Larry! Larry! I say, 
(closes door again) no, not there ! (crosses over to d. 
leading into private office) (tries door) it's locked! 
Blake must be out also — strange ! leaving those dia- 
monds unprotected in this numner (going dowii to 
desk and sits; Blake and officer looldng out of door; 
Firman and Gerald the same) This appears to be 
very mysterious business I am employed upon and 
liow strangely the ticket agent looked at me, when I 
bought that ticket — (unlocks drawer) Ah! Here 
are the diamonds (taking them up and laying them 
doiun again) Ah ! Here's the letter Larry told me 
about ; the very thing I need to protect myself against 
Blake, for he is a dangerous man ; now shall I execute 
his order or read the letter? (George takes packet 
out of drawer and puts it in his coat pocket rises, 
huttons up his coat, closes d^raiver, as he does so 
officer comes down c.) 

Officer. You are my prisoner ! 

George. Prisoner ! On what charge, pray ? 

Officer (ij. a little up) . Grand larceny in the 
first degree. 



UNDER THE FLAG. 27 

George. Why, what does this mean ? 

Blake {coming down ix. c). It means, ungrate- 
ful young man, that you are caught at last! (goes 
to D. L., throws it open, enter Firman, Gerald and 
Larry) Now, Mr. Gerald, will you believe the ac- 
cusation? 

George. Oh ! I see it all now ; oh ! you villain ! 
you unscrupulous scoundrel ! — With all the over- 
whelming proof, Mr. Firman — Gerald — do you be- 
lieve me guilty? — {hiis. weeps) 

Gerald. No, George ! I do not believe you guilty. 

Larry. Nor do I now, George Morris ! and I 
never will ! 

Gerald. George, you and I have been bosom 
friends since boyhood and no one knows you in this 
whole world better than I and if the proofs were a 
thousand times stronger than they now appear to be, 
I would still honor and respect you ! and I would be- 
lieve you innocent! (tahes him hy the liand) 

Larry. And so will I ! 

Blake. We will soon put an end to these heroics ! 
That is my private drawer, and no one has any right 
to open it except myself. Come now, sir! how did 
you get possession of that key? 

George. You well know that you gave it to me 
yourself and instructed me to take the diamonds from 
the drawer and bring tliem to Mr. Watson in Wall 
Street. 

Blake. A pretty story indeed ! Now, first, there 
is but one key to that drawer — here it {^—{showing 
hey on ring) the one you have is a duplicate, obtained 
by you I know not in what manner ! — Second : I know 
no such person as Mr. Watson of Wall Street, and 
thirdly: you have purchased a ticket for Canada on 
the N. Y. Central train, which leaves to-night at 
11:40 under the name of Walker, and fourthly:, 
where are your witnesses to prove that what I say is 
not true. 

George. You, Willard Blake, shall be my witness 



28 UNDER THE FLAG. 

and the only one I shall require. — Now, sir, what is 
your base accusation? 

Blake. Is it not plain to every honest man that 
you intended to steal those diamonds and abscond 
with them to Canada ; which diamonds you now have 
in your possession, for we all saw you take them 

George. You lie ! base villain that you are ! The 
plot was cleverly laid, Willard Blake, but it has failed ; 
the packet I took from that drawer was not the 
diamonds, but this letter from Jerre Dunne, which 
contains proof enough to send you to prison, for 
twenty years. 

(Holds up letter, Gerald grasps him hy both hands; 
Larry dances r. h. corner; Blake falls into chair 
hy desk as officer places his hand on his shoulders in 
obedience to a gesture from Firman.) 

CURTAIN. 



ACT I. 

Scene: Rural — Drop showing fort and tower of 
Moro Castle in distance — water at foot of fort — 
ivhich is slightly elevated — set trees at r. and L. 
— Showing as much semi-tropical scenery as 
stock will permit. Seat under tree l. — Music at 
rise. Larry and Rastus coming on R. u. E. 
Larry is dressed in ivhite linen suit, large East 
Indian helmet, which worhs backwards and 
forwards; Rastus in blue overalls, light thin 
shirt and a very broad-brimmed straw hat with 
string tied around it. Larry is seated and is 
fanning himself with large palm leaf fan, while 
Rastus is holding a large parasol over his head 
— Larry has fieldglass slung over his shoulders 
and is smoking a very long cigar and looks su- 
premely happy. 



UNDER THE FLAG. 29 

Rastus. And now Massa Larry, as our celebrated 
Congressman from my very important state — Go'gie 
— once said — where are we at? 

Larry. I presume you are aware that we are still 
on Mr. Firman's sugar plantation 

Eastus. No, I'm not — my, he must be an awful 
rich man to own so much land — I'm all turned 
round 

Larry. Why we're home again — there's Mr. 
Morris's house ! 

Eastus. Why, so it is — I'm so glad — I thought 
we nebber would git home again 

Larry. Well, you see, being the overseer I must 
attend to me business or I'll lose me job. 

Eastus. Yes, you always did attend very strictly 
to business — when you worked for Mr. Blake. 

Larry. And that was a lucky day for me, when 
I put that letter in his desk-drawer. 

Eastus. Luckier for you, when I found it ! 

Larry (looks at Eas. — things). You're right, 
Eastus — and you're me friend — and now let us form 
a compact between the two nations that no 
enemy, can never break, (tal^es Eas. right hand 
in his left, hoth face audience; Larry puts right 
hand over Eas. right shoulder, Eas. same each puts 
his right foot across the left, putting toes on floor. 
Song.) — Africa and Ireland — (they keep this pose for 
a few seconds) — And now you would like to know 
something of this neighborhood, I presume, Eastus ? 

Eastus. Deed I would, Massa Larry. 

Larry (tahes field-glasses from case, loolcs 
through them towards R., hat falls over his eyes — 
Eastus highly amused) 

Eastus. What are you looking at, Massa Larry? 

Larry. Nothing ! 

Eastus. Wat I thought! 

Larry (loolcs again this time all right, appears to 
see something and is satisfied) . Ah, yes — there it is 



30 UNDER TKE flag. 

— they haven't moved yet — there will be some fun 
around here pretty soon, I'll warrant. 

Rastus. Dat'll suit me — I'm always looking for 
fun! 

Larry. Well you'll have to excuse me — I don't 
want any of it — there's not much fun in it. {looks 
towards L. hach with glasses) 

Rastus. Why what does yer mean — I'm kinder 
uneasy. 

Larry. Yes, there's the other; they'll not be 
sparring much longer I'll warrant. 

Rastus. What did you say ? 

Larry. Look here! take the glasses! — N'ow look 
over to the left there! 

Rastus (looks through wrong end). Oh ! my! 

Larry. Do you see anything? 

Rastus. Yes, but everything looks about four 
hundred miles away — I can't tell what it is. 

Larry {laughing). Well, no wonder; you're 
looking through the wrong end of the glasses. 

Rastus {hands them to Larry). Well, you 
ought to know fo' certain which end to look through, 
an if I looked through as many glasses as you did 

Larry {laughing). Over at Flaherty's! Ah, I 
wish I could see him now, he'd set 'em up ! 

Rastus. I'd know too. 

Larry. Well, here look through this way — now 
try if you can see anything. 

Rastus. Oh, my, how near everything is and I 
do see lots of things, dat I couldn't see without dem — 

Larry. Well, do you see anything now ? 

Rastus. Yes, a flag. 

Larry. Describe it! 

Rastus. It has red and white stripes wid a blue 
triangle at the end near the staff wid one white star 
in it — what flag is dat? 

Larry. The flag of Cuba and the holy cause of 
liberty. Long may it wave over this beautiful island, 



UNDER fHE FLAG. 31 

which God intended should be the home of the free. 

Rastus. And what is it doin' over dar? 

Larry. That is the headquarters of Colonel Wash- 
ington Ryan, a young Irish American who has joined 
the insurgents in their struggle for freedom — and may 
he succeed in his noble mission ! and he has with him 
over there a battalion of Gomez' soldiers. 

Rastus. Oh, Lor' ! (about to run away, Larry 
grabs him) 

Larry. Come back — come back ! — I'm not half 
through with the scene. 

Rastus. I doan' know whether I wants any more 
or not. 

Larry. Oh yes, you do ! Now look over there ! 
— Now what do you see ? I want to show you where 
you are at ! 

Rastus. Why, ah see another flag and it's a 
different one. 

Larry. Can you describe it to me? 

Rastus. Yes, it has yellow and red stripes. 

Larry. The Spanish tlag; the first one that was 
planted on the shores of America, which land became 
the refuge and home of the downtrodden and op- 
pressed of the whole world and I'm ashamed to see 
it flying there. 

Rastus. Why so ! What is it doin' dar ? 

Larry. There are stationed a detachment of 
Spanish soldiers under Major Bernoe. These two 
forces have been sparring with each other for some 
time past, I am told, and I wouldn't be a bit sur- 
prised, if they should get into a regular battle before 
very long. 

Rastus. Oh, Lord ! Oh, Lord ! Oh, Lord ! 

Larry. What's the matter ? 

Rastus. I'm skeered to death ! 

Larry. You look it ! Are you not old enough to 
know how to protect yourself? 

Rastus. I'm afraid not — Are vou? 

Larry. I'm old enough to try ! and my experience 



32 UNDER THE FLAG. 

has taught me that only three little things are neces- 
sary to one's complete protection in this country. 

Eastus. Tell me what they be, Massa Larry, so I 
kin git 'em; fo' the Lord knows I need dem bad! 

Larry. They are very simple and easily obtained. 
Number one: For the protection of my health which 
of course is the basis of all happiness, this (pulling 
out a flash of ivhiskey and takes a swig). 

Rastus. Then give me some protection right now 
— I need it ! 

Larry. Hold on! {grabs hottle) You appear 
to be a strong protectionist (puts hottle in pocket) 
Second: This (points tig revolver at Rastus who 
hollers and runs). 

Rastus. Don't, it might go off 

Larry. For the protection of the lives and prop- 
erty of my friends and mine own (puts it hack) 
Third : This (pulls out a silk American flag). 

Rastus. Oh, my, dat beats dem all (takes hold 
of it fondly). 

' Larry. To protect the lives, honor and dignity of 
every American citizen in every land on God's green 
earth. 

Rastus. Bully for you, Massa Larry, you're the 
smartest Irishman I ever knew 

Larry. Then your acquaintance with the sons of 
the Emerald Isle must be exceedingly limited ! (puts 
flag hack in pocket) That'll make the Spanish 
gentlemen wince if they ever come up against it, I'll 
warrant yer, and they'll find one stout Irish heart 
behind it to follow it no matter where it leads. 

Rastus. Three cheers for the red, white and blue ! 

Larry. Now let us come down to business — ^you 
know my past weakness is strict attention to business. 

Rastus. Deed ah do ! — wat honey — deed I do ! 

Larry. We took on two new hands to work on the 
plantation the otlier day, and I don't like the looks of 
either of them. 

Rastus. How so? 



UNDER THE FLAG. 33 

Larry. One of them reminds me so much of tliat 
scoundrel Blake — I'll bet my life, that that fellow's 
hair and beard are false and one of these very fine 
days, in the near future, I'm going to find out what 
the real color of that fellow's hair is. 

Rastus. Why, you doan't mean to say 

Larry. I'm say in' nothing just now, but I'm 
keepin' up the devil of a thinkin', I can tell you. 

Rastus. You frighten me 

Larry. You've nothing to fear, (shots heard off 
R. to rear) 

Rastus (frightened, ffrahs 'Lahhy) . Oh ! Haven't 
I — save me ! Save me ! 

Larry, (throws him off) Oh, brace up! (runs 
hack and looks through glass, hat works as before) 
A skirmish between a small number of both forces, 
probably the picket line — that's nothing serious (coin- 
ing down c, Rastus very frightened, looking at 
watch) It's about time for you to ring the bell to 
call the hands up for dinner. So I'll just run over to 
the house for orders and will be back in a few minutes. 

Rastus. Oh ! doan' leave me here ; dem Spanish 
soldiers will kill me, I know dey will ! 

Larry (going.) Have no fear! they are not 
after Americans. They only kill their own people 
(exit L.) 

Rastus (teeth chattering). I'm so frightened — 
ah can't move — Oh! what'll ah do — (grabs parasol, 
opens it, sits R. of c. putting parasol behind him; 
noise of horse galloping getting nearer; Ras. rolls his 
eyes around, tries to get up and cant do it) Oh! 
my! wish I could run — ah can't even stand up! 
(Enter Spanish private in uniform, carrying gun 
and large bag fastened to strap, slung over his 
shoulder, comes down to r. of Ras. pretends not to 
see him, takes out printed notice and tacks it on a 
tree) (Rastus quickly turns around, gets his -back 
and parasol toward soldier) Oh me! Oh my! I 



34 UNDER THE FLAG. 

iiebber saw a sheriff like dat fellow befo'. If he sees 
me ah'm a ded nigger ! 

Soldier {turning around, about to go, sees 
parasol). Ah! what's this — (goes around slowly, 
Eas. Iceeps turning so as to keep parasol between him 
and soldier till latter has made complete circle; when 
parasol gets betiveen Ras. and audience, soldier jumps 
round quickly and catclies Ras. facing him; puts up 
gun as if to shoot Ras. — Ras. yells and screams and 
puts parasol betiveen him and soldier, jumping up) 
Murder ! Watch ! Police ! Larry ! Everybody ! 
Help ! Oh help ! Massa Larry ! Quick ! Help ! 

(Larry rushes on l., revolver in hand pointing at 
soldier, tvho does riot see him ivhile Ras. does.) 
Rastus. I'm saved ! 
Larry. Halt ! 

(Soldier looks around and sees him, frightened puts 
stock of gun on ground, holding it by the barrel.) 

Larry. Attention! (soldier ahvays obeys) 

Rastus (gets to back of soldier, closes up parasol). 
Well, I guess we've got him now — Oh ! I dun no ! 

Larry. Shoulder arms! — eyes right! — eyes left! 
— eyes front ! — eyes back ! — Attention ! — carry arms ! 
— mark time! (Larry counts, the manual of arms 
is gone through — after every command given Rastus 
kicks and cuffs soldier: oh, I dun no! ad lib.) About 
face! — (Soldier turns his back to audience, faces 
Ras. who steps back) Charge bayonets! — (charge 
on Ras. who runs and yells up stage) Halt! — about 
face! — forward! march! — halt! — left face! — (he 
turns toward Larry, while Ras. comes to the right 
of Larry) charge! bayonets! — (soldier rushes at 
Larry, whose hat falls over his eyes — Ras. yells, 
grabs hat and throws it up) Halt! — (soldier halts 
just as his bayonet is about to touch Larry's coat) 

Rastus. I dun saved yer life dat time ! 

Larry. Shoulder arms ! — right about face ! — for- 
ward — double quick — march ! (soldier rushes off) 



UNDER THE FLAG. 35 

Rastus {shaking hands with Larry). That's 
the way to fix him ! 

Larry. Me military tactics may be a little crude, 
but me moral tactics are all right — Number two — 
(looking at revolver) 

Rastus. Why it makes me brave just to look at 
you, Massa Larry. 

{Enter William Ewing head down, very limp and 
walking very slowly as if in pain. Comes down 
to c.) 

Rastus {very frightened). Oh, my! another 
Spaniard ! {goes near Larry) 

Ewing {puts his hand to breast, looks at Larry). 
You are an American ? Thank God ! 

Larry. No, an Irishman! — but it's the same 
thing ! 

Ewing. I'm mortally wounded, I'm afraid, will 
you assist me? {totters) 

Larry {holds him, up). What a question ! Will 
an Irishman assist a fellow-being in distress? Come, 
sit down here ! — Here, take some of this, it will 
revive you ! — Rastus, run quick over to the house and 
bring Mr. Morris here! — quick now! tell what's 
happened quick ! 

Rastus. All right. Sir ! 

Larry {unbuttoning Ewing's coat, shoiving 
badge on his left breast). Why, you are a member 
of the grand army of the Republic, how is this ? 

Ewing. Yes, Abraham Lincoln Post No. 6, New 
York. I served in the 17th U. S. Infantry during the 
entire war under Grant. 

Larry. Poor fellow, I see it all — the spirit of 
liberty burns so strongly in this noble fellow's breast 
that he is willing to sacrifice his life in aiding these 
struggling Cubans to obtain their freedom and in- 
dependence. Oh, that the world possessed more of 
you ! 



36 UNDER THE FLAG. 

(Enter George Morris, Father Jose Delgato, a 
priest, and Eastus u. l. e.) 

George. What is the matter, Larry? (coming 
down R. of Larry) 

Larry. Here is one of our people, and a veteran of 
the civil war, wounded to death, I'm afraid. 

George. Poor fellow. (addressing Ev^ing) 
Have you any strength to talk. What is your name ? 

EwiNG. 1 think so — Ewing — from New York 
City. I enlisted in the cause of liberty with these 
poor persecuted Cubans ; and if my life would bring 
them their freedom, I would gladly give it ! 

George. Noble fellow! 

Larry. After my own heart ! 

Delgato. Our duty first is to . attend to his 
physical needs so as to prepare a safe journey for his 
soul should it be released from his body. 

George. You are right. Father; let us take him 
to the house. 

(Larry and George each put their arms under each 
arm of Ewing and they go off very slowly 
towards l. 2 e.) 

Delgato (following). And may the great 
Father who with loving kindness cares for all, bless 
this unfortunate child and have mercy on his soul. 

(Exit L. 2 E. Eastus first, Larry and George with 
Ewing, Priest following.) 

(Enter Blake disguised with wig and heard r. u. e. 
looking after them.) 

Blake. Little you thought, George Morris, that I 
would dare to follow you here, but there is no more 
fit place in this wide world where circumstances can 
be turned to my account and against you than here 
in Cuba, and this little circumstance I will try to 
work against you with the Governor of this Province. 
He hates the Americans because the insurgents love 



UNDER THE FLAG. 37 

them. This is true of all Spaniards here and if he 
hesitates to kill you, — well it's easy enough to get 
some one else to do it for him. Then my turn will 
come. Oh, Eevenge, but you are a sweet morsel ! 
(looking) Here comes that nigger, he must not see 
me alone. (Exit quickly r. u. e.) 

(Enter Rastus l. 2 e. crosses to r. 2 e. and rings hell 
about a dozen taps.) 

Rastus. Dars a couple of dem farm hands I don't 
like; dey may be Cubans but I doubt it. Larry 
nebber makes a mistake. Oh ! He's so smart, (exit 
L. 2 E.) 

(Enter r. u. e. Blake and Dunn disguised with 
wigs and beards, Sanchez, and farm hands all 
dressed in overalls, jumpers and broad-brim straw 
hats, looking pretty rough. All sit down ex- 
cept Blake. Chorus may be sung.) 

Sanchez. Well, (looking around) where's the 
dinner, I'm hungry as a bear. 

Omnes. So am I. Where's the nigger? 
Sanchez. Here he comes. 

(Enter Rastus l. 2 e. with large basket containin-g 
dinner and a big jug of coffee loith cups on top; 
, sets it down very timidly, says nothing and exits 
quickly same as entrance. The men all take 
sandwiches out of the basket and commence eat- 
ing. ) 

Dunn. Eat heartily, lads, for you will need 
strength for our work this afternoon and evening ! 

Sanchez (.to Blake). Have all the arrange- 
ments been made so there's no chance of failure. 

Blake. Well, ask Antonio, he's been selected our 
Captain. 

Omnes. What is it, Antonio, what is it about?. 

Dunn. T — thought you all knew the details. 

Sanchez. No, two of our gang were not present 



^^8 UNDER THE FLAG. 

when we arranged the affair, so tell it for their 
benefit. 

Blake {sitting on bench urider tree). Not too 
loud, that nigger might be loitering around. Remem- 
ber this is dangerous business ! Be cautious ! 

Dunn. Let Sanchez tell it. He's the strongest 
patriotic spirit among us. 

Omnes. Sanchez! Sanchez! Go on! {ad lib.) 

Sanchez {rising). Well, boys, I think it is a 
great crime for us to be lying around here enjoying 
three square meals a day and some of the comforts of 
life, while our brothers are in the field fighting, 
bleeding, and dying in the cause of liberty, and I 
think it is our duty to help them in this desperate 
struggle ! 

Omnes. Hear ! Hear ! Bravo ! (fl<i Zi&. Bus.) 

Blake {rising). Bravo! We are with you to a 
man ! Men, what say you ? {he sits again) 

Omnes. We are! We are! to a man! {bus.) 

Sanchez. The other day I was informed by a 
reliable person that there is at this minute nearly 
fifty thousand dollars in gold in the Governor's house 
with which to pay the Spanish troops! 

Omnes. Yes ! Well ! Can we get the money ? 

Sanchez. We can. 

Omnes. How? 

Sanchez. By raiding the house, of course. And 
this money will buy lots of provisions, clothing and 
ammunition for our heart-broken brothers in arms 
and with the money and ourselves added to the cause, 
they will be greatly aided. 

Voice. Wouldn't that be robbery ? 

Sanchez. No, everything is fair in war. 

Blake. And in love ! 

Voice. Suppose the Governor himself should be 
met? 

Blake {rising and vehemently). Kill him of 
course. In war it would not be murder; do not the 
Spanish soldiers kill your brothers, do they consider 



UNDER THE FLAG. 39 

it murder? Do not the Spanish soldiers burn your 
brothers' homes? Do they call it arson? NO, 
Sanchez is right, we will do as he bids. 

Omnes. We will ! We will ! (bus.) 

Voice. But how can we overcome the guard ? 

Blake. Antonio, who has been chosen captain, 
he will tell you how to turn that little trick. 

Dunn. I will arrange to have the Governor away 
from his house when the time comes and to have the 
guard sent on a wild goose chase by a false order. 

Omnes. Good! It will work! (ad lib.) 

Dunn. Now then, boys, let us procure our arms. 
I have arranged to have the guard sent off, and at the 
sound of the bell — two taps and three shots will be 
the signal for marching at once to the Governor's 
house. I will be there as soon as you will and I 
appoint Sanchez first lieutenant whose orders you 
will obey until I arrive. 

Omnes. We will ! All right ! We will ! (going) 

Dunn. Then good luck to you and prepare your- 
selves well. 

Omnes. We will! We will! (exeunt, omnes, ex- 
cept Dunn and Blake, l. u. e.) 

Dunn (coming to center). What's the matter, 
Willard, you don't seem to take as much interest in 
this matter as you did yesterday. 

Blake (rising). Oh! Yes I do. (aside) I 
must turn this trick to my own advantage, (walking 
towards r. 2 e.) I must get that money first and 
then — (sees notice on tree, stops and reads) 

Dunn (sits on bench under tree R.). Let me 
study the program so there will be no mistake. 
\tahes out paper — appears to be deeply reading 
papers) 

Blake. What's this ! (reads notice) Any and all 
persons within the Province of Santiago de Cuba 
giving information of any kind to the rebels or any 
one in sympathy with them or their cause or in any 
manner rendering any aid, succor or help to them or 



40 UNDER THE FLAG. 

any of them, or harboring, sheltering or feeding thera 
or any of them shall be deemed guilty of treason and 
upon conviction shall be hanged, all in accordance 
with section fifty-three. Military Code. 

(Signed) Martinez De Campos. 

Captain-General, Isle de Cuba. 

(turning towards audience intensely). Ah! Ha, 
George Morris, my work is easy. In New York your 
honesty ruined me ! Here your sympathies will ruin 
you and save me. (thinks) I have it. 

Dunn (putting paper in pocket, rising and com- 
ing down R., Blake crosses to l.). Well, Willard, 
you seem to be doing a lot of thinking just now. 

Blake. Yes ! I am ; this job requires a lot of 
it. We are taking desperate chances. 

Dunn. No greater than when we tried to steal 
the money ourselves last month ; and we got away. 

Blake. Yes, but we didn't get the money ! 

Dunn. But if we hadn't got away; what then? 

Blake. Well I don't care to hear ancient history. 

Dunn. What's in your head now; some scheme 
I'll bet you. 

Blake (angrily). Yes, there is, and it's this: 
you know in this affair some one is going to be 
stretched out for good ; and I don't propose it shall be 
me. 

Dunn. What do you mean ! 

Blake. Let's give the Governor the tip. We'll 
get a large reward. 

Dunn (angrily). What, give away our pals! 

Blake. You've hit the nail on the head ! 

Dunn. And curse you ! Willard Blake. I've a 
good mind (pulls pistol) to hit you a clip on your 
head with this, so hard that you'll never be able to 
use it again for any purpose, let alone anything so 
infernal, low and mean as what you've just proposed. 
It was you, Willard Blake, who made me the scoundrel 
and criminal that I am. But remember one thing! 



UNDER THE FLAG. 41 

I'll not go back on my pals ! and I will stick to them 
through thick and thin. So go steady, Mr. Blake, or 
rather Mr. Hernandez ! Go steady ! 

Blake. Ha! ha! Here's my hand, Jerry. I was 
only trying you out. 

Dunn. Well, Willard, don't try me out again in 
the same way ; if you do you'll never live to try it on 
any one else. Understand! (exit L. u. E.) 

Blake. I'll have to get rid of you Mr. Dunn. 
You are getting altogether too moral for my com- 
pany. A clip on my head, eh? Well, I guess a clip 
under your ear will do as good work for me. Why 
should I take any chances. Luck seems to be with 
me and in the scuffle I'll manage to land a bullet in 
Ge6rge Morris's head so as to be doubly sure of him ! 

(Enter Senor Ricardo Gutierrez, quicMy r. 1 e.) 

Blake. May I speak a word to your excellency ? 

Ricardo. Not now I'm in a great hurry. 

Blake. It is a matter of vast importance to you 
and to your government. 

Ricardo. In that case I'll listen. What is it, 
quick ? 

Blake. You know Mr. Morris, the superintendent 
of this plantation. 

Ricardo. Yes? what of him? (looking at Blake 
intently) Ah! Ha! and I know you now? you 
scoundrel ! You are the man who attempted to bur- 
glarize my house about a month ago and steal the 
money you know I had there. 

Blake. Well what are you going to do about it? 
^ (pulls revolver) 

Ricardo. Why, call the guard yonder, have you 
arrested and then hang you. 

Blake. That's easier said than done. 

Ricardo (excitedly). What do you mean, you 
scoundrel, (bus.) 

Blake. I mean that your guai'd is now far away, 
decoyed by a false order supposed to be signed by 
you. 



43 UNDER THE FLAG. 

EiCARDO (excitedly looks off n., comes hacJc, 
stands R. of c. ) . ^Tis true ! Speak, man ! What 
does this mean ! (bus.) 

Blake. Ah ! Ha ! You'll listen now. You hate 
Americans because they are secretly aiding your 
enemies and you would like to rid your province of 
every one of them. Is it not true? 

RiCARDO. It is but natural for every patriotic 
Spaniard to think and feel that way. Go on. 

Blake. Agree to my terms and I will give you 
enough evidence to prove Morris guilty of treason, the 
punishment of which is death ! 

RicARDO. You can do this? (excited and nerv- 
ous) 

Blake. Yes and more, I can prove him a con- 
spirator against your life and to rob your house of tlie 
money now in it ! 

Ktcardo (very excited). Your terms then, what 
are they? 

Blake. A j)ardon for my offence against you ; ten 
thousand dollars in gold and a passport out of the 
country. 

Ricardo I agree to — (about to extend his hand). 

Blake. Where's the security? 

Ricardo. The word of a Spanish gentleman. 
(bus.) 

Blake. I must have something more substantial 
than that, you are known as a proud, cruel, and stern 
man. Now listen ; everything has been carefully 
prepared for the organization of the farm hands on 
this plantation into a company which, with George 
Morris at its head, will join the insurgents. Their 
first move will be to loot your house and kill you if 
necessary in accomplishing that end. 

Ricardo. Your proofs ! (bus.) 

Blake. First: George Morris has now in his 
house a wounded insurgent attended by a priest in 
violation of that notice; (pointing to notice on tree) 
second — in less than half an hour the signal, two taps 



UNDER THE FLAG. 43 

of a bell and three shots, will be given when the work 
will begin. 

RiCARDO. If I can prevent this thing it will 
greatly advance me and my interest with the hom'e 
government and I will receive fresh honors and a 
high office. But can I trust you in this matter ? 

Blake. Is it .not to my interest to do so ? 

RicARDO. Good ! Then depend on me, for it is 
to my interest to avert this uprising and to punish 
the conspirators! (takes book out of pocket, writes 
in it, tears ont leaf) Take my horse yonder 
(pointing r.) Ride for your life after the file of 
men and give this to the officer in command. 

Blake (crosses to r.). Do not fear me sir! 
(going) Now, Mr. George Morris, you succeeded 
in foiling me in one plot ! I wonder if you will 
succeed so well in this one. (laughs — exit R. 1 e.) 

RiCARDO. Can I trust this fellow? He has be- 
trayed his comrades, he may betray me ! Wealth and 
high position for me is the stake and I'll risk it. I 
am safe at least, for where martial law reigns I am 
supreme, (exit r. 1 e.) 

(Enter George Morris, Priest and Gerald, l. 2 e.) 

George (coming on, going r.). I'm afraid poor 
Ewing has received his death, but he shall at least 
have every tender care that is possible to be given 
to him during his last moments. 

Delgato. I trust your fears are unwarranted ; he 
is now sleeping soundly and with great care and care- 
ful nursing he may recover. 

Gerald. We fondly hope so ! 

George (sees notice on tree and reads it). 
What's this! I cafinot translate it all. (to Priest) 
Father Delgato, will you kindly translate that notice 
for us. 

Delgato (going to notice). Briefly it states that 
any one giving aid or comfort in any manner to any 
of the insurgents will be guilty of treason, the punish- 
ment of which is death by hanging. 



44 UNDER THE FLAG. 

Gerald. Then we must all be very careful con- 
cerning poor Ewing. 

George. Yes, luckily no one knows of the circum- 
stances but ourselves, except Eastus and Larry and 
with them our secret is safe. 

Delegato. The Lord will not permit the punish- 
ment of those who perform works of ^mercy upon their 
fellow man, for the great law is " Sow to yourself 
righteousness and ye reap in mercy.^' 

George. But I fear the Governor of this province 
on account of his extreme hatred towards Americans. 
He is ambitious and is therefore dangerous; and I 
also fear for your safety, good Father, for you too 
have broken the law. 

Delgato. Why fear him ? Hath not our blessed 
Savior taught us in these words : " And fear not 
them which kill the body but are not able to kill the 
soul ; but rather fear him which is able to destroy both 
soul and body in hell." 

George. You are right, good Father Delgato, your 
advice is consoling and it gives me strength. 

Delgato. " The Lord is my strength and my 
song and He is my salvation." 

Gerald. We are indeed in a very uncomfortable 
position to say the least. George, here comes father 
and the Governor, (looMng of R.) and judging from 
appearances we are in trouble. 

{Enter r. 1 e. Eicardo, Firman and several armed 
servants to tJie Governor.) 

Firman. I say, sir, you have been deceived; the 
whole affair is simply absurd. 

Eicardo. Absurd or not I am obliged to act on 
the information given me; it is sufficient; (to atten- 
dants) arrest those two men. (pointing to Delgato 
and George — they are placed under arrest at once 
l}y two attendants each standing beside them) 

George. Are you in your right senses, Seiior 
Gutierrez ? 



UNDER THE FLAG. 45 

RiCARDO. Sufficiently to know that I will be 
responsible for arresting a would-be robber and 
murderer; a treasonist and felon. 

George. Take care sir! Although I am a pris- 
oner to you, you will discover that you cannot heap 
such wrongs and insults as these upon an American 
citizen. 

RiCARDO. Do you deny that you have given aid 
and assistance to an insurgent soldier. 

George. No, I gave aid to a dying American 
soldier, the same aid I would extend to one of your 
own. It matters not to me whether a man be Cuban 
or Spanish, I would not deny him succor in an hour 
of distress. 

FiRMAN". Bravely spoken, George, and if there be 
any power left in the Stars and Stripes you shall not 
suffer for this humane act. (to Ricardo) And why 
do you arrest this reverend gentleman? Great 
Heavens! Has the proud and once all-powerful 
nation, Spain, fallen so low ! 

Gerald. Seilor Gutierrez, I once thought you a 
man of honor; there must be some stronger motive 
than the one you mention. What is it? 

Ricardo. The danger is too imminent to talk 
further on the subject, (hell rings tivice and three 
shots, L.) Ah! Ha! The signal. Seize and bind 
them lest they escape to their friends, (they are 
quicTcly seized and ropes are tied around their arms) 

George. Seiior Gutierrez, do you call yourself a 
man. 

Ricardo. I call myself the Governor of this 
province and you are my prisoner. 

(Enter Larry running on as fast as possible l. u. e.) 

Larry. There is going to be trouble here mighty 
soon, (at c.) 

Gerald. We are having our share right now. 

Larry (loohing around and seeing George and 
Delgato prisoners). What does this mean, George? 



46 UNDER THE FLAG. 

(going toivard him the guards advance threateningly. 
Larry pulls revolver) 

George. Don't, Larry, I beg of you, don't get 
yourself in trouble as I may need your assistance. 

Larry. And you need it now. {noise and shots 
heard off L. u. e. atid r. u. e.) I'm sure of it. (hus.) 

Gerald. What does all this mean? (consterna- 
tion hy every one except Ricardo) 

EiCARDO. It means that I am saved ! 

Larry. Well I'm dam sorry for it ! 

(Spanish soldiers commander hy officer rush in, 
double quick, R. 1 e., cross and go a little up 
stage to l., form in line facing r. u. e. Blake 
sneaks in, stands behind them.) 

Officer. Take aim! (they aim guns) 

(Farm hands rush on R. u. e.) 

Dunn (leading them). Forward, lads, quick! 
(they see soldiers and all stop and crouch down) 

Dunn. AH! HA! We have been betrayed; but 
by whom ! 

Blake (rushing through ranks to c). By me, 
Hernandez, a Spanish sympathizer. And now your 
excellency, is it death to traitors ? 

EiCARDO. Ay ! to all ! None shall be spared ! 

Blake (taking out revolver and aiming it at 
George). Then I will set the example by ridding 
you of their leader, George Morris. 

Larry (Larry knocks revolver out of his hand, 
tears off his wig and beard). The precepts and ex- 
ample have both failed, Willard Blake! (pointing 
his revolver at Blake who cowers down low) 



CURTAIlSr. 



UNDER THE FLAG. 47 



ACT II. 

Scene : A prison, window high tip ivith hars, L. of c. 
Iron barred door c. hack — two stools — very dark 
hack, light arranged so as to he full on door, dark 
either side. 

George and Priest discovered. George sitting on 
stool L. in shirt sleeves. 

GeorgEw Oh ! Father, tliis is terrible ! More than 
I can bear. I am afraid ; and to be thus humiliated 
and abused. Oh! it is awful, {hides face in his 
hands) 

Delgato. Do not think so, my son, but remem- 
ber " Those who walk in pride. He is able to abase. 
For whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased and 
whosoever shall humble himself shall be exalted. 

George (rising). Ah! Yes, Father, your faith 
is fresh and I feel it will save our souls, but I fear 
groat harm to our bodies. 

Dei.gato. Who is he that will harm you if ye be 
followers of that which is good? 

Georgk. Your life has been a better one than 
mine and it is therefore harder for me to bear up 
under these false accusations. 

Delgato. Having a good conscience that whereas 
they speak evil of you they may be punished that 
falsely accuse you ! 

George. Ah ! Father, but to be forced to suffer 
innocently when I have done nothing but good seems 
hardly right to me. Does it seem right to you, good 
Father? 

Delgato. It is written " For it will be better if 
the will of God be so that ye suffer for well doing 
than for evil doing; for Christ also hath suffered for 
our sins: the just for the unjust, that he might bring 
us to God! " (bus. George hows his head) 



48 UNDER THE FLAG. 

Pedro (with lantern at back gate, reading order). 
A gentleman to see Father Delgato. (he opens gate) 

(Enter Larry quickly going to George. They shake 
hands warmly and crossing to Father Delgato, 
shakes hand ivith Priest.) 

Larry (quietly to priest). How does he bear up 
beneath this terrible ordeal? 

Delgato. His faith in God makes his burden 
easy and he has no fear of death ! 

Larry. And such a disgraceful death ; accused of 
being implicated in a plot of which he is as innocent 
as you are. Father Delgato ? convicted upon the testi- 
mony of the blackest and lowest scoundrel that ever 
escaped the gallows and sentenced by a man who dis- 
graces the sacred name of Justice simply to gratify 
his personal and political ambitions. It is the 
foulest and blackest crime imaginable and I intend to 
prevent it, this very night. 

George (coming toivard him). How, Larry! 
Tell me ! 

Larry (going up to door looking out through 
hars, then coming down earnestly and quietly). You 
know the other jailer, Sancho the negro, relieves 
Pedro here at eight-thirty this evening. Well, he'll 
not be here. 

George. What do you mean? (nervously) 

Larry. Well he'll not be here this evening ! 

George. How so? 

Larry. He's three miles away, fast asleep and 
he'll not wake up until to-morrow afternoon about 
three p. m. 

George. What has happened to him? 

Larry (taking out bottle). I gave him some of 
my protection, so he's safe. Do you mind? (wink- 
ing) 

George. Ah ! I understand now. But why did 
you do this ? 

Larry. Eastus is dressed in Sancho's clothes; he 



UNDER THE FLAG. 49 

will be here on time to relieve Pedro. The guards 
nor any one else will recognize him. I couldn't my- 
self, for all coons look alike to me any way! 

George. Ah ! Larry ; I comprehend now what you 
intend doin^. Don't, I beg of you, get that faithful 
fellow in my position. 

Larry. Never mind now; I'll be here with him. 
I got two orders, one to see the priest and one to see 
you, do you understand now? This time I came to 
see Father Delgato, the next time I will come not 
only to see you but to 

George. Hush ! I hear some one. Come now, tell 
me the news ! 

Larry. The Governor is deaf to the entreaties 
and threats of Mr. Firman and all the American 
residents of the Province. 

George. Did they capture the farm hands, poor 
fellows ! 

Larry. No! By some strategy they managed to 
escape and I'll warrant yer they'll be after me high 
and mighty Lord Duke Gutierrez before long. 

Pedro (opening door). Time's up, sir ! 

Larry. Farewell, George ! Farewell — old — boy — 
I — Heaven Bless you! {putting hand to throat and 
'brushing away tear. Exits rapidly and JcnocJcs over 
Pedro.) 

George. The many friends I have in this over- 
whelming trouble gives me heart to bear up beneath 
it ! Pray for me. Father, I fear my life on earth is 
now very short and my hours of adversity will soon 
pass away. 

Dklgato. Cheer up, my son, and have no fear; 
l)odily harm passes soon away, therefore have strength 
to meet it. For " if thou faint in the day of adversity 
thy strength is small.'^ (bus.) 

(Enter Rastus clad in uniform of jailer at d. hack.) 

George. Oh! Rastus. my friend, how — (about to 



50 UNDER THE FLAG. 

advance toward Mm. Eastus frightened and tries 
to be grujf) 

Eastus. You've made a mistake, I'm not Eastus. 
My name is Saiicho. (bus. Aside) Ali'm scared 
'bout to death! {leaves door open — aside) Why 
don't he run out. (walking around in cell, not 
noticing George. Aside) I nebber seen such a 
man in my life. I've hear of people dat didn't know 
enough to go in de house when it rained. He don't 
know nuff to go out of de house when de door is open. 
(noise as if some was approaching outside, Eastus 
rushes out, closes door) It's Larry, ah'm so glad! 
(opens door again and tliey whisper at the door) 

Larry (going to quickly to George). The door 
is unlocked, Eastus is on watch and the coast is clear, 
the guard is not there. Here, put this coat on and 
your escape is certain. Now quick ! 

George. Oh, Larry! you are too generous and 
good. Your love for me is so strong that you would 
sacrifice yotir own life to save mine. Noble fellow! 
No, Larry ! The sacrifice is too great ! 

Larry (excited). Never mind me! Me Irish 
wit will save my life. 

George. Don't press it too far, it might fail you. 

Larry. We have no time to lose. Quick, I say ! 

George. The guard will return at nine-fifteen. 
Well, be it so and may heaven help us both ! (puts 
on Larry's coat about to go) 

Eastus (at door). Gentleman to see Mr. Morris. 

(Enter Blake, Eastus closes door but does not loch 
it. Larry goes up tj door and shakes it.) 

Larry. Sancho ! Jailer! Oh, Sancho ! (Eastus 
comes to door, they speak in dumb shoiv) (alone) 
You understand now ? 

Eastus (alone). Oh! I understand everything 
will go off right, it's all fixed! Nine o'clock then! 

Larry (coming down c). Well, you infernal 



UNDER THE FLAG. 51 

scoundrel ! (malces a drive at him and pulls a gun) 

George {taking hold of Larry). Not now, 
Larry. Not now, Larry, his time will come, later ! 

Blake (crossing and aside). What does this 
mean. Ha ! Ha ! a plot arranged for his escape ! 
(bus.) 

Larry. Well, what do you want then. Haven't 
you performed enough deviltry already? You're 
here for no good purpose I'll warrant you ! 

Blake. There you are mistaken, Mr. Toole, I am 
here to perform a good deed, 

Larry. I doubt it! (turning away) I'll keep 
my eyes on him all the same. 

George. Can any good come from you, Willard 
Blake. 

Blake. You shall soon see. The Governor has 
consented to sign your pardon at my earnest request. 

George and Larry. A pardon! 

Blake. Yes, conditionally ! 

Larry. That's different. 

George. I presume on conditions which are more 
disgraceful than the death to which I am sentenced. 

Blake. The conditions are these : First, that you 
sign this paper setting forth a confession of your 
guilt. I can take no chances as the pressure upon 
the Governor in his favor is getting very strong. 
Second : 

George. Enough ! I see through your fiendish 
plot. Go and never let me see your face again, (bus. 
Turning away and going up to Delgato they speah 
in dumb shoiv) 

Blake. Very well then, Mr. Morris, in a few 
hours your neck will be stretched to such an extent 
that it will never be any use to you again, (dock 
strikes one outside) 

Larry. And you're a liar ! George Morris has 
fooled you and it's your neck, not his, that will be' 
stretched ! 

Blake (looking anxiously around). What does 



^2 UNDER THE Fi.AG, 

this mean? (He appears frightened. Second stroke 
of hell) 

Larry (to George). {Whispers so Blake can 
hear him) Now's your chance, (bus.) It's all 
arranged. 

George. Good! Then I'll be free, {third stroke 
of hell) 

Blake. Free! Ah, ha! I will prevent it. {hus. 
Fourth strolce) 

Larry. The door is unlocked, see ! (running to 
door throws it open. Fifth strolce of hell) 

Blake (dotvn r.). I'll call for help! (about 
to run across stage to d. ) 

(Larry draws revolver, points it at Blake.) 

Larry. Do at your peril, (sixth stroke of hell) 
Delgato (coming to Larry). My son thou 
shalt do no murder, (seventh strolce of bell) 

(Larry turns to speak to Delgato, when off his 
guard, Blake draws his revolver and has Larry 
at his mercy.) 

Blake. Now, sir, attempt to detain me and you 
die like a dog. (eighth strolce of bell) 
George. Larry, we are lost! 

(Blake hacks to door quickly.) 

Larry (loudly). No, bvit he is! (ninth stroke 
of hell; as Blake rushes out of door shot heard off r. 
Blake throws up his hands and falls at door.) 

Larry (grabbing George by the hand). Rastus 
has done his work ! 



PICTURE— END OF ACT IL 



UNDER THE FLAG. 



ACT III. 



53 



Scene: Open country, perspective drop, full stage. 
(Larry and Rastus coming on r. 2 e. at c.) 

Larry (looMng hack and pointing). Well I 
suppose that it is here that the hellish work of 
Willard Blake will be accomplished. I'm sorry you 
didn't kill him, Rastus. 

Rastus. I tried putty hard, Massa Larry, but I 
guess on account of bein' jes' a little 'cited my aim 
wa'n't quite as true as it might have been under mo' 
favorable circumstances. 

Larry. I'm sorry I didn't finish the devil in the 
prison ! 

Rastus. So am I; and when will poor Massa 
George be hung. 

Larry. Never if I can help. 

Rastus. I'm afraid you can't help it now ! 

Larry. Well I can try, can't I ? 

Rastus. You've been done tryin' all de time but 
you ain't done nothin' yit. 

Larry. Well I'm going to do something now. 
Look here, Rastus (hus.) George Morris won't hang, 
not if a stout Irish heart can prevent it. 

Rastus. Well I wish you luck, and plenty of it, 
Massa Larry. 

Larry. Here comes Mr. Firman and the Gov- 
ernor, let us step back here and listen to their con- 
versation. I may learn something. 

Rastus. Listeners nebber learn anything good ob 
demselves. 

(Rastus and Larry get heliind r. 2 e.) 

{Enter Firman and the Governor r. 1 e.) 

Firman. Once more Senor Gutierrez, as the 



51- UNDER THE FLAG. 

representative of the U. S. Government, I now not 
only utter to you my official protest but serve you 
with a copy of the same; the original I will retain, 
upon which I will transcribe my affidavit of service 
upon you. (takes tiuo papers out of his pocket, hands 
one to RiCARDO, the other he writes upon and places 
hack in his pocket) You may accept it or not. 

RiCARDO (takes it, puts it in his pocket). It is 
my duty to be courteous to the representatives of 
every nation and in my official capacity I shall accept 
the service upon me. But, sir! I must inform you 
that both of these protests are useless. This province 
is, as you are aware, under martial law, and it is 
necessary for me to make a severe example. 

Firman. But why with an innocent man ? 

RiCARDO. The evidence against him is overwhelm- 
ing. 

Firman. Overwhelming! Why it is only the 
unsupported testimony of the blackest villain who 
disgraces the form and name of man. 

RiCARDO. The attempt to escape last night is the 
strongest evidence of his guilt that I could wish for. 

Firman. Then, sir, I appeal to you at least for 
a postponement of this horrible affair, until such time 
as will enable you to capture some of those farm 
hands and obtain their evidence to show whether 
Morris is guilty of these charges or not ! 

RiCARDO. That would avail me nothing, for they 
would certainly swear he was innocent. 

Firman. Then, sir, I appeal to your honor as a 
man. Your ambition to rise in the estimation of 
your government must certainly be accompanied with 
that degree of honor which should impel you to give 
every one charged with crime, no matter how lowly 
he may be, the fullest opportunity to prove his 
innocence. 

RiCARDO. When George Morris attempted to 
escape he lost that opportunity; his sentence must be 
executed and at once, (looking at his ivatch) 



UNDER THE FLAG. 55 

FiRMAN". Very well, Senor, I shall be obliged 
to submit to your uncharitable resolution. 

RiCARDO. There is one concession, however, I 
have made in consideration of the government of 
which he is a citizen ; that is, he shall be shot instead 
of hanged. 

Firman. I doubt if he will appreciate the con- 
cession. For it matters not in what manner the 
crime of assassination is committed the penalty will be 
the same. Sefior Gutierrez, George Morris is a free- 
born American citizen, the proudest boast that can 
be made by any living being who walks the earth. 
He is the citizen of a country whose greatest pride 
and glory is its flag which has never yet been 
lowered in disgrace before the most powerful nations 
of the whole world; under its stripes and starry field 
the humblest citizen receives the fullest protection its 
great power can give, and mark me, sir! if you 
persist in this cruel assassination of George Morris a 
citizen of the United States, she will expect from 
Spain for this terrible outrage a bitter and awful ret- 
ribution. (Exit R. 1 E.) 

RicARDO. Dare I defy the powerful nation he 
represents? I'm not quite sure whether I have gone 
too far or not ! No, I cannot stop now, if I should, 
ridicule and scorn from my superiors would be my 
reward. On the other hand praise and preferment 
will be given me. Already General Campos has 
recommended that I be favorably considered for an 
appointment to a ministry at the court of some Euro- 
pean nation. iSTo, he must die. A ministry and tlic 
social status it will bring me is worth more than all 
the lives of all the x\mericans in Cuba. (E.rit r. 1 e.) 

Larry (at c). He don't seem to have much 
faith in the evidence against ^lorris and he didn't 
feel very comfortable when Mr. Firman presented to 
him what my adopted country would do to his native 
one. In his present state of mind the proper sort 
of inducements might bring him to his proper senses. 



56 UNDER THE FLAG. 

I have an idea. I'll try it on if I get the chance. 
Come, Eastus, we've business to attend to. (going) 

Rastus. Yes, you always was very attentive to 
business. Ha ! ha ! 

(Larry and Eastus exit l. 1 e.) 

(Enter Firman and Gerald, r. 2 e.) 

Gerald. And this is the place where poor George 
is to be executed. 

Firman. Eather say murdered. Oh ! this is 
terrible! What can I do to prevent this terrible 
crime, (hus.) 

Gerald. Have you heard nothing from yout* 
messengers to the Consul-general ? 

Firman. No, not yet, and I am afraid they will' 
be too late even should they have been successful. 

Gerald (affected). Oh ! George, I am afraid in-' 
deed that you are surely lost, (he puts hands ovet 
eyes and weeps. Distant music and muffled drums 
are heard approaching off l. Trumpet call — Firman 
and Gerald both start and looh off l. 2 E.) 

Firman. Good heaven be merciful ! they are com* 
ing! 

Gerald. Oh! George! Oh! George! Can no one 
save you now. 

(Enter Larry and Eastus l. 2 e. quickly.) 

Larry (going up to Gerald). A man by the 
name of Larry Toole is goin' to try mighty hard. 

Gerald (takes Larry ly the hand). Oh! Larry, 
I'm afraid your big, noble and generous heart has 
run away with your head ! 

Larry. No I think my head's in the right place, 
although it's doin' a heap of spinnin' of late. Now 
cheer up, Mr. Gerald; I think more of George Morris 
than my brother, an' I never had one, ^nd I'd lay 
me life down this minute for him, the poor — (breaks 
down and cries hus.) 

Gerald. There now, Larry, I thought you were 



UNDER THE FLAG. 57 

SO brave and cheerful ; and you're crying like a child. 

Larey {looking round at him and sobbing and 
trying to look cheerful). Why! I'm — not — crying. 

Gerald. Well what are you doing tlien. 

Larry. That's the way I laugh, {tries to laugh) 

Rastus {has been looking of r. 2 e. coming 
down). De soldiers am — bringing — po' — ^Massa — 
George — an' 

Larry {looks off right). Yes, curse them! 
{bracing up) But I'll be with them and in " at the 
death ! " 

FiRMAN" (Gerald and Rastus stand l. with heads 
bowed while music and drums grow louder. Enter 
George Morris, Delgato between two soldiers, in 
front bound. Soldiers with officer following them. 
RiCARDO and Blake in rear with head bandaged, 
blood on bandage. Priest and George are led up to 
c. back. Soldiers form line on left of stage a little 
down from c. Firman goes up and stands beside 
George. Larry beside Firman's left. Gerald to 
R. of Priest. Ricardo and Blake to r. down.). 

Officer. Halt ! Present arms ! 

Ricardo {aside to Blake). Now that the mo- 
ment arrives I almost falter ! 

Blake. Fail now and you will be ridiculed ! And 
remember! your reward. 

(Gerald goes up to George, also Firman and 
Larry.) 

Gerald. Oh ! my poor friend and brother ! It 
is hard for me to ask you to have courage at an hour 
like this. But have courage, George. Father's mes- 
sengers may now arrive at any moment ! 

George. I have courage and it is in the knowl- 
edge that through life I have always tried to do what 
I thought was right and I now ask you, Gerald, as I. 
am about to die 

Gerald. Oh! my God! {bus.) 

George. That you grant me one last request. 



58 UNDER THE FLAG. 

Gerald. A hundred if you ask them. What is it, 
George ? 

George. You are still a very young man and the 
world before you is still bright and you have every 
prospect in future, which if you deport yourself in a 
manly manner will make you happy. 

Gerald. I will try to do so. 

George. Then live not for yourself but for your 
fellow men; not for the pleasures in this life but for 
the benefits and happiness you can bestow upon 
others. Never permit a soul to suffer when you can 
alleviate the distress; never allow sorrow to come to 
a fellow creature when you can soothe it. Be true 
to yourself and to my memory and you will then be 
true to every living creature, and when death arrives, 
it will not be an ignominious one like mine, I know, 
and the kindly acts and righteous deeds you have 
performed will forever be a monument to your 
memory in the lives of those who live after you. 
Farewell ! (he faints and falls to his feet, he is 
assisted to his feet again hy Gerald and Firman) 

Larry {verjj excited, coining down to c). Seiior 
Guttierrez ! Have you any heart left in your body, 
when in the presence of these your own soldiers — and 
there's not a dry eye amongst them — you will bid 
them to murder so noble a man as George Morris? 
And there's not a man amongst them who wants to 
do the deed ! 

(Blake pulls Eicardo's coat; he turns; they 
whisper. ) 

RiCARDO. You may consider yourself lucky that 
I do not command them to execute you, as you 
attempted to secure his escape last night. 

Larry. Then do it, (he is standing very straight) 
and if it will save the life of that man (pointing to 
George) I will die the happiest man on the island. 

George. Oh ! Larry ! Larry ! you noble fellow ! 
(drops head) 



UNDER THE FLAG. 59 

RiCAKDO. I have seen and heard enough of these 
dramatics and the execution must proceed. Father 
Delgato, have you anything to say why the sentence 
of death should not now be executed upon you? 

Delgato (straightening up and steps forward one 
or two steps). For myself, no! but for this young 
man I ask you in the name of Heaven, stay your 
hand! My association with him in your foul and 
noisome prison cell has convinced me that he is 
innocent of the violation of any law against his God, 
no matter what you or your martial law may adjudge 
him. And if he be innocent before God he is there- 
fore innocent before men. 

RiCARDO. True, but you teach us to render unto 
Csesar the things that are Caesar's, and I have been 
set to judge that which is Caesar's. 

Delgato. And our Blessed Lord and Master 
speaking to such as you, said " I speak to your shame. 
Is it so that there is not a wise man among you? 
No, not one that shall be able to judge between his 
brethren ! " 

(Noise heard off l. of horse galloping rapidly and a 
faint voice crying " Hold! hold!" and continues 
to grow louder.) 

RicARDO. Not learned in Ecclesiastical Law I 
am unable to answer you ; and I must carry out the 
judgment of the court ! Have you done ! 

Delgato. Yes. (turns) And may God have 
mercy on you ! 

(Noise of horses* hoofs very loud and near. " Hold! 
hold!" Gerald and Larry looking off l.) 

Gerald. It's the reprieve, (excitement and mov- 
ing about) George, you are saved! at last! at last! 
(bus.) 

Enter Messenger. A reprieve, sir! ( crosses -to 
Ricardo, hands him paper Ricardo takes it, reads) 

Blake. Foiled again! (bus.) 



60 UNDEH THE FLAG. 

RicARDO. A paper granting pardon to Father 
Delgato. Signed by General Martinez de Campos, 
Captain General, Isle de Cuba. 

(Larry, Gerald, Firman, Rastus and others show 
disappointment. ) 

Firman {coming down). May I read the paper, 
sir? 

RiCARDO. With pleasure ! 

Firman {reads). Too true! {hus. going up 
and standing beside George.) 

RiCARDO. Release Father Delgato! {he is re- 
leased and is handed paper; he puts it in his belt) 
And now, George Morris, have you anything to say 
why sentence of death should not now be executed 
upon you. 

George. Nothing! Except that you are com- 
mitting a foul and dastardly murder and I leave you 
to yourself and to your God ! 

RiCARDO. Is there nothing more? 

George. Nothing except — that I forgive you. 

RiCARDO. Prepare him for death. {soldiers 
about to blindfold him and turning his bach to 
soldiers) And ask him to kneel. 

George. No ! I kneel to no one but my Maker 
and if I die, it will be facing my foe, like a brave 
American. 

RiCARDO. Officer, give the proper commands; at 
the word three you will order them to fire. 

Officer. Attention ! Take aim ! 

RiCARDO. One — two 

Firman {jumps in front of George). Hold I 
say ! Once more I defy you to deny the official 
petition of the United States Government ! 

RiCARDO. Take him away or I will fire on him. 

Firman. Then fire on me, and such vengeance 
will be wrought, that Spain will no longer stand 
among the nations of the earth. 



UNDER THE FLAG. 61 

(Firman is torn away by soldiers ivho attended 
Priest.) 

RiCARDO. One — two — th 

Larry (jumps hehind George, tvraps American 
flag about him). Fire upon that (pointing) and 
pollute it with your dirty, murderous hand, if you 
dare ! 

PICTURE— CURTAIN— STAE SPANGLED 
BANNER. 



ACT IV. 



Scene : Landscape drop, rocks r. u. e. ; trees R. and 
L. 2 E. A sort of woodland, trees around where 
convenient. Lights not full on. 
Blake (enters from l. u. e. ; head tied up as 
before, no coat on and pants ragged, shirt torn, no hat 
and looking very rough). The devils, they'll not 
catch me here, they'll never dare to come so near the 
Governor's house and they'll not expect I'm here. I 
must arrange some way to creep in by the secret door, 
get some of that money and escape from this cursed 
place — my course will then be easy. Curse them ! 
they'll show me no mercy for having deceived them 
and I can expect none from Gutierrez. I'm hemmed 
in on every side and hunted like a dog but I'll fight 
like a tiger and to the death, (at c.) Ah! Ha! 
Some one is coming. Who can it be ? Not a friend 
I know, for every man's hand is now against me. 
(hides behind rocks R. u. e.) 

(Enter Firman, Ricardo and Larry l. 2 e.) 

RiCARDO. While I dare not insult the powerful 
nation you represent by firing upon its flag, yet surely 
George Morris' offence against our law merits some 
punishment. 

Firman. Sefior Gutierrez, is not the fact that he 



62 UNDER THE FLAG. 

is an Aniericaii citizen the only crime that you can 
charge against George Morris and your hatred of his 
countrymen together with your unswerving ambition 
to hold high political honors impelled you to act so 
severely against him and me? 

EiCARDO. The open moral and the secret financial 
aid the citizens of your country are giving to the 
insurgents justifies every patriotic Spaniard to be 
suspicious of Americans, to say the least. 

Firman. Again, the accusation of that scoundrel, 
Willard Blake, whom you know as Hernandez, impli- 
cating him in the plot with my employees is utterly 
groundless. 

RiCARDO. What motive could induce him to make 
such a charge against Morris? Why charge him 
with attempting to take my life if there were no truth 
in it? 

Firman. Well, I am glad of this opportunity to 
inform you. In my excitement I forgot to do so. 
In New York he was apparently a thriving and 
respected diamond broker. He sought my daughter's 
hand in marriage and was rejected; she had already 
given it to Morris who was his clerk. In his 
chagrin, anger and disappointment he attempted to 
ruin Morris' character by charging him with the 
theft of his diamonds, but by the merest accident, 
at the time, George discovered he was dealing in 
stolen goods. He was arrested, jumped his bail bond 
and followed Morris here, where the villain has 
attempted to wreak his vengeance on this innocent 
young man by charging him with another crime the 
penalty of which is death. 

RiCARDO. Your explanation places the matter in 
a new light before me and I hope that I can atone for 
the wrong I have done him by asking him to forgive 
me! 

Firman. And he will gladly grant it, a generous 
impulsive nature like his requires nothing more than 
you suggest. Ah ! here he comes now. 



UNDER THE FLAG. , 63 

{Enter George, Gerald and Rastus r. 2 e.) 

RiCARDO. Mr. Morris, I am satisfied that I have 
been imposed upon by a scoundrel and have in my 
effort to protect my country done a grievous wrong. 
As a man I ask your forgiveness. 

George. Your confession, Seiior Gutierrez, carries 
forgiveness with it. Henceforth I hope we will be 
friends, (extends hand to Ricardo and they shake 
hands) 

Rastus (aside). Wouldn't dat feller kill yer? 
Now I wouldn't do dat fo' all 

Larry. Well I dunno! (bus.) 

(Distant shots heard off r. also shouts.) 

Ricardo (looking off r. Excited). The revolters 
are about to carry out their threat by attacking the 
tower. Let us hasten to the barracks. Are you all 
armed ? 

Omnes. We are. 

George. I have nothing. 

Ricardo. For fear of some encounter on the way 
you had better be prepared. Step into the house, here, 
take this, (writes order in book, tears out leaf and 
hands it to George) You will find a guard at the 
door and he will supply you with arms. We will not 
proceed very rapidly and you will overtake us in a 
few moments. Come on then. 

(Exit Firman, Gerald, Ricardo, and Rastus^ r. 

2 E.) 

Larry. I think, George, T had better remain here 
with you as there's no telling where that scoundrel 
Blake is ; and should he catch you unarmed he would 
delight in killing you. 

George. I have no fear of him here, as he would 
not dare to come so near to the Governor's house. 
(noise distance off R.) 

Larry. You can bet he's not off there, for if those 



64 UNDER THE FLAG. 

fellows get him he'll pay the penalty to them for his 
treachery. 

George. And should the Governor lay hold of 
him his fate will be no better. Well, it is the punish- 
ment he has brought on his own head through his 
own evil deeds. 

Larry. And well he deserves it. 

George. Well, you walk along slowly and I will 
get a gun in a few moments and will be with you. 

Larry All right (going) but I'll keep my eye 
open for that fellow Blake, (exit r. 2 e.) 

(Blake slioivs himself, draws knife, and comes down 
behind George.) 

George. Well, thank Heaven ! I have passed safely 
through that terrible ordeal, by the aid of my good 
friends and particularly through the clever wit of my 
dear good, brave Larry. Oh ! what misanthrope says 
there is no such thing as a friend. And Blake. 
He'll never trouble me again, (turns to go, sees 
Blake, starts! bus.) 

Blake. He will give you more trouble, I'll war- 
rant you, after he is through with you this time ! 
(Bent forward with Jcnife in his hand which he 
holds behind him) 

George. What do you mean to do now, you mis- 
erable scoundrel ! 

Blake (sneaking down). I mean to kill you! 
and thus free myself of the bitterest enemy I h^ve 
on earth ! 

George. If I am your enemy I have not shown it 
by anything I have done towards you. 

Blake. You ruined my good name and reputa- 
tion and made me a fugitive on the face of the earth. 

George. You ruined yourself by your own dis- 
honesty ! 

Blake. And by your taunts you have sealed your 
doom, (rushes toward them) 

George (getting out of his way quickly). Would 



UNDER THE FLAG. 65 

you attempt to murder me ! I am unarmed ! (going 
round Blake trying to clinch him) 

Blake. So much the better for me. My danger 
is then small, (rushes quickly on George, clinches 
hini, George grabs Blake's right hand, holds it up 
so that he cannot he stabbed with Icnife, they 
struggle.) 

Larry (rushing on r. 2 e. holding revolver, aiming 
it at Blake). Drop that knife or I'll shoot it out 
of your hand and then I'll kill you afterwards ! 

Blake (sees him, jumps away from George and 
drops Tcnife, and cowers down on his Tcnees before 
Larry). Have mercy! 

Larry. Pick up that knife, George. (George 
picTcs it up and holds it in his hand) Mercy ! Mercy ? 
Bid you say mercy, Willard Blake, you contemptible 
murderous villain? I spared your life in the prison 
cell, but thanks to the good old flag no harm came 
from that mistake. This time I'll not make any 
mistake, I'm going to make you a good man now. 

Blake. Oh ! I promise you that hereafter I will 
do nothing but good and will always be good. 

Larry. Then I'll help you to do it ! (still pointing 
revolver) 

Blake (pleased). You will? (air of satisfac- 
tion) 

Larry. Yes by killing you! For you'll only be 
good when you're a dead one. Now prepare yourself 
{mocTcinq Ricardo's speech) Willard Blake, have you 
anything to say why the sentence of death upon you 
should not now be executed. 

Blake. Oh! spare me! spare me! (trembling 
visibly) I will make amends for every wrong I have 
committed in my life by acts of charity and mercy to 
my fellow beings. Do not have the guilt upon your 
soul of murdering an unarmed, miserable and 
wretched being. I am now prepared to begin ^ 
new life and atone for my past sins. 

Larry (very much affected). I can't resist such 



6G UNDER THE FLAG. 

a heart-rending appeal. I can't kill you. No! Pll 
not do it. (turns from him) 

Blake (jumping up in glee). Then I'm free! 
Free to live again and 

Larry (hands his gun to George). You're his 
game and the honor of killing you — you miserable 
viper is his. Kill him George, as you would a crawl- 
ing poisonous snake. 

George (tahes gun and points it at Blake). 
Now, sir, the tables are turned and you die! 

Blake (down on his Jcnees again as before). 
Would you kill me, an unarmed man. (bus.) 

George. My danger is then small! 

Blake. Oh ! No ! No ! Do not I pray you ! 

George. Lie there! you heartless villain and 
now grovel at the feet of the man whom you have tried 
so hard to kill ! (distant shots and shouts) Shall I 
drag you to your companions whom you have be- 
trayed ! 

Blake. No ! No ! Not that, I beg of you, they will 
tear me limb from limb ! 

George. Shall I brins: you before Seiior Gutierrez 
whom you have deceived and who is now seeking 
you? 

Blake. No! No! Not that! I will be shot or 
hanged. 

George. Ay ! It mattered little to you whether 
I was shot or hanged, and it is not your fault that I 
now live ! 

Blake. Forgive nie ! Oh ! For God's sake for- 
give me ! I was maddened with a spirit for revenge 
for the wrong you heaped upon me. 

George. Then can you blame me if I revenge my- 
self on you now for the awful and cruel wrongs you 
have heaped upon me? 

Blake. If our positions were reversed I would 
forgive you, I swear before my Maker, I would ! 

Larry, In a pig's eye you would! 



UNDER THE FLAG. 67 

Blake. I would spare your life as I now beg you 
to spare mine and ask your forgiveness. 

George. Liar ! You despicable wretch you would 
kill me as I now 

Larry (jumps ivith glee). Good! 

George. — forgive you. (putting down revolver) 
Go, Willard Blake. Right or wrong I have spared 
your miserable life, in the hope that you will become 
a better man. 

Larry. Never! (bus, of disgust) Just my infer- 
nal luck, I was born on Friday. 

George. Go your way, Willard Blake, and may 
we never meet again. 

(Blake 7'ises and moves slowly towards l. u. e. hus.) 

George (taking Larry hy hand). Again you 
have saved my life. How can I ever repay you. 

Larry. By killing that scoundrel, (pointing to 
Blake) 

George. No — no matter what his crimes may be 
I do not possess the right to take away his life, so by 
handing me the revolver you see you saved two lives 
instead of one. Oh ! (joyfully) Larry, you're a great 
fellow, (going left) 

Larry (going with him). Yes, I wish I was 
just half as great. 

(Exit Larry and George r. 2 e.) 

Blake. Yes, you've spared the life of the viper 
but you forgot to pull its fangs ! (about to go r.) 

(Dunn followed by his companions rush on R. u. E. 
making great noise. Blake about to run off l.) 
Dunn (pointing revolver). One moment, Wil- 
lard, here are some gentlemen who would like to say 
good-bye to you before you leave us. (Blake looks 
around, cowers and stops, two of the mob rush up, 
take hold of him and bring him to center) Now 
boys, here is the man who has proved himself a traitor. 
What is the punishment of traitors? 



(3^ UNDER THE FLAG. 

Omnes. Hanging! {Blake, in. great fear <ind 
trembling) 

Dunn. Where is the rope ? 

Voice. Here I have it! {man brings rope to 
Dunn) 

Blake. Not so ! (he grabs pistol from belt of one 
of his captors and shoots himself, falls and dies.) 

(Enter r. 1 e. Ricardo, Firman, Gerald, Larry, 
Rastus, Priest and George followed by Offi- 
cer commanding squad of soldiers who cross 
stage and sta^id l. doivn.) 

Delgato (going up to Blake, standing beside Kim 
and pointing to him). The wages of sin is death, 
for as ye sow so shall ye reap and with what measure 
ye mete unto others it will be measured unto you 
again, and may the Lord have mercy on him. 

Officer. Take aim! 

Delgato. Poor misguided man you have run 
your wicked course — may Heaven grant that you 
sorrowful fate be a warning to all who seek the 
destruction of their fellow beings, (coming down 
and standing in front of the soldier). Stay! Let 
there be no useless and cruel shedding of blood. If 
those men (pointing to insurgents) have anything 
to say in their defense, let them be heard, and I beg of 
you, Senor Ricardo, to give them a respectful hearing 
and generous treatment. 

Larry. I^m sorry that man (pointing to Priest) 
isn't an Irishman, he ought to be one. 

Ricardo (to Dunn). Have you anything to 
say? (at some time motions soldiers to desist) 

Dunn. Seiior Gutierrez, we surrender. This up- 
rising was planned by Willard Blake who will do 
you and us no more harm. His -charges against 
George Morris were all utterly false. We as well as 
you have been deceived by him and we ask that you 
use your influence with your government to secure 
our pardon. 



UNDER THE FLAG. 69 

RiCARDO. Spoken like a brave man. I will do as 
you ask and have no fear but that it will be granted 
at once. 

Larry. Thank Heavens! We are all saved at 
last! 

Gerald (to Firman). And now let us all re- 
turn to God's country! 

Firman. Yes, the United States of America ! 
(Goes up to RiCARDO and they shoJ^e hands) 

Larry. First cousin to Ireland, the land of the 
brave and the home of the free, (dancing in glee) 



PICTURE— CURTAIN^— MUSIC ; COLUMBIA, 
THE GEM OF THE OCEAN. 



> Students with properly developed college spirit. 



JUST PUBLISHED 

[N PRENCH»S STANDARD LIBRARY EDITION 

THE GREAT COLLEGE PLAY ENTITLED 

BROWN OF HARVARD 

A Play in Four Acts 
By RIDA JOHNSON YOUNG 

THE CAST OF CHARACTERS 

Tom Brown. 

Gerald Thorne, stroke oar of the "Varsity Eight," who is not his own master, 

Wilfred Kenyon. 

Claxton Madden, 

John Cartwright, 

"Tubby" Anderson, 

"Happy" Thurston, 

Walter Barnard, 

Warren Pierce, 

Thompson Coyne. 

"Bub" Hall, "Varsity Coach." 

Victor Colton, who wants the English crew to defeat his Alma Mater, 

CoDRiNGTON, Manager of the English crew. 

Ellis, Manager of the Varsity crew. 

Captain Hodges, "j 

George Selwyn, j 

James Van Renssalaer, > Members of the Varsity crew. 

Arthur Blake, i 

Austin Latchow. J 

Old Clothes Man. Mrs. Kenyon. Marian Thorne. 

Doobkeeper. Emelyn Kenyon. Edith Sinclair. 

Butler. 

SYNOPSIS OF SCENES 

ACT I 

Place. — Cambridge, Mass. 

Scene. — Tom Brown's and Claxton lIlKiden's apartments in "The Wetherby." 
a students' apartment hoUsew 

act II 
Scene. — ^Yard at Harvard. The exterior of a dormitory. 

act III 

Scene. — "The Varsity Boat Club" on the day of the race with the English 
Amateurs. The scene is laid in the large hall of the boathouse. 

act IV 
Scene. — Sama as Act One. 

"Brown of Harvard" has the genuine college atmosphere, with moments of 
excitement and even of sentimental interest. To begin with, there is, of course. 
Brown himself, a paragon of all the ordinary virtues, with the additional and 
rare one of modesty. Then, there is Wilton Ames, who is not his own master, 
and Victor Coiton, who wants the English crew to defeat his Alma Mater, and 
who is not above using the weaker student to accomplish his own villainous 
purpose. For the rest, they are college boys of various types, girls of the sort 
who like to come to afternoon tea in the fellows' room and who whoop it up for 
them when any sort of a contest is on. The inlay's chief appeal comes from the 
fact that it reflects in its entirety the buoyant, wholesome spirit of youth. 
Some lively and entertaining glimpses of college life are shown. Glimpses into 
typical student sanctums, the fun and frolic of goodfellowship, the chat of the 
crew, snatches of college songs, the harmless flirtations of the town and cainpus — 
these are all pleasant features of the piece. All this and a stirring boat-race scene 
added makes a play of college life that fairly teems with the varsity atmosphere. 
The characters are well drawn and there is action and- movement throughout 
the four acts. Plays a full evpning. 

PRICE, 50 CENTS 



One copy del. to Cat. Div. 



OCT 21 19lG 



HoUinger Corp. 



JUST PUBLISHED 

AT YALE 

A Comedy Drama of College Life in Three Acts 

By OWEN DAVIS 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 

Dick Sheelet Yale '05. 

Mr. Clayton Randal Of New York. 

Jack Randal His son, Yale '05. 

Dave Burly. . , Substitute on Yale Crew. 

Jim Tucker Captain of Yale Crew. 

JiMSEY A Telegraph Messenger Boy. 

Clancy A Prize-fighter. 

John Kennedy Coach Yale Crew. 

Frank Young Member of Yale Crew. 

Ed. Scott Friend of Dick and Member of Yale 

Crew. 

Tom Hayi'Jes Member of Yale Crew. 

Robert Crosby Member of Yale Crew. 

Jepson Boatman. 

Pol 

Harry Wilson 

Will Taylor 

Mrs. Randal Jack's Mother. 

Dorothy Randal Her daughter. 

Polly Burk A friend of Dorothy. 

Mame Brady A poor girl. 

SYNOPSIS OF SCENES 
ACT I.— Vanderbilt Hall, New Haven. 

ACT II.— Scene 1.— A Boat House, Gales Ferry. 

Scene 2. — The Start. Gales Ferry Quarters. 
Scene 3. — The Race. Thames River. 

ACT III. — Exterior of Griswold Hotel, Eastern Point. New Lon« 
^■^"^ don. The night of the race. 

Comedy Drama of American College Life In Three Acts, by Owen Davis, 
piece was played with tremendous success all over the United States by 
Gilmore. Sixteen males, four females, four of the men being unimportant. 
s a play with a distinct college setting, in which athletics are prominent; 
ae kind of play that Is wanted by nearly every high school and college con- 
ating putting on a play as part of their commencement exercises. There 
etty college girls, freshmen, a telegraph messenger boy, coaches, typical 
3 boys, members of the crew, substitutes, etc. Any number of males and 
•s can be used in the ensembles. Plays a full evening. 

PBICE. 25 CENTS 




JUST PUBLIt 015 799 535 



What Happened to Jones 

An Original Farce in Tliree Acts 
By GEORGE H. BROADHURST 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 

JONES, lolio travels for a hymn -hook Jiouse 

EBENEZER GOODLY, aprofessor of anatomy 

ANTONY GOODLY, D.D., Bishop of Ballarat 

RICHARD HEATHERLY, engaged to Marjorie 

THOMAS HOLDER, a policeman 

WILLIAM BIGBEE, an inmate of the Sanitarium 

HENRY FULLER, superintendent of the Sanitarium 

MRS. GOODLY, Ebenezefs wife 

CISSY, Ehenezefs ward 

MARJORIE, ) „ 

MINERVA J -Ebenezer's daughters 

ALVINA STARLIGHT, Mr. Goodly' s sister 
HELMA, a servant 

SYNOPSIS OF SCENES 

ACT 1. — Handsomely furnished room in home of 

Ebenezer Goodly. 
ACT 2.— The same. 
ACT 3.— The same. 

This is the jolliest sort of a farce, clean and sparkling all the way 
through. A professor of anatomy is lured to a prize fight and the 
police make a raid on the "mill." The professor escapes to his 
home, followed by Jones, a traveling salesman, who sells hymn 
books when he can and playing cards when he cannot. The police 
are on the trail, so Jones disguises himself by putting on a Bishop's 
garb, and a lot of funny complications ensue. The other funmakers 
are aided not a little by an escaped lunatic. This celebrated farce 
has been a tremendous success for years on the professional stage and 
is now published for the first time. 

PRICE, 50 CENTS 



